Chicago Cubs Trade Rumors: Chase Utley May Be Headed To The Cubs
According to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Chicago Cubs are considering pursuing a player that would strengthen not only their infield defensively, but offensively as well. The Chicago Cubs are ranked 23 in runs this season, with 396.
The Chicago Cubs may pursue Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley prior to the August trade deadline. Utley will begin a rehab assignment Sunday. Chase would need 251 plate appearances to activate a 2016 option, which is unlikely. The former All-Star has struggled this season with a slash line of 179/.257/.275, but for Utley, a rebound is definitely possible. Utley is set to make about $5 million over the rest of this season, and if the Chicago Cubs acquired him, they would look to have Philadelphia cover part of that salary.
The acquisition of Utley would provide much-needed depth to the existing middle infielders Starlin Castro, Addison Russell, and Javier Baez. If the Chicago Cubs lose their patience with Castro, which is a strong possibility, they could opt to use Russell at shortstop and Utley at second base.
Chase Utley would be a solid bench player for the Cubs.
— CubsKickAss (@Cubskickass100) August 2, 2015
As previously reported by the Inquisitr, the Chicago Cubs see Baez and Castro as expendable, evident in their offer to the Philadelphia Phillies for Cole Hamels. After acquiring Dan Haren and Tommy Hunter as help to their pitching staff, the Chicago Cubs team president suggested the possibility of continuing to search for hitting help.
Phillies have traded one club icon in Hamels. Will Chase Utley be dealt? I am hearing some light buzz of the Cubs having interest.
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) July 31, 2015
“That might be more of an August thing for us,” he said. “If the need is there and the opportunity presents itself, we’re always open to a position player.”
The interest by the Chicago Cubs could also be to add his veteran leadership to a team lacking this, which is a necessity to an organization looking to contend.
Cubs interested in Chase Utley.. Would be all over this if it was 5 years ago hahah
— Chicago Sports (@ChicagoSports99) July 31, 2015
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and at least one other team are also considering Utley, per Wittenmyer.
While Utley does have a no-trade clause, it has been reported he might waive them for a chance to compete with a contending team, which the Chicago Cubs and Angels are.
Joe Maddon commented on the possibility of an August trade.
“Of course it can [happen], but I don’t expect anything. We got the pitchers we were looking for. Of course they can do something, but conversationally this is pretty much what we have talked about.”
Do you think the Chicago Cubs will make a transaction in order to acquire Chase Utley? If not, what other moves do you see the Chicago Cubs making during this month of August?
Chase Utley to the Cubs ???? Lets Go
— delo (@delo_inc) August 2, 2015
[Image Source: Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images]
