Chesapeake Energy Corp. on Wednesday strengthened its commitment to boost natural gas output, announcing an acquisition to bolt on acreage in the Haynesville Shale and laying out early plans to focus heavily on the play and other gas-rich assets in the Appalachian Basin next year.

The company’s plan to acquire Vine Energy Inc. for $2.2 billion would create the Haynesville’s largest producer. Chesapeake expects to produce 575,000-595,000 boe/d in 2022, compared with 415,000-435,000 boe/d this year.

While oil production is expected to remain flat year/year, natural gas is seen jumping from 775 Bcf to 1.1 Tcf, at the high end of guidance.

Pending the takeover, Chesapeake expects to operate 10-12 rigs in 2022, with up to nine working the natural gas portfolio and up to three...