Did the Cubs Strike Out Again?
In the midst of a great season, standing at 67-49, the Chicago Cubs front office has been linked to many players that are presumably on the trade market. From Cole Hamels, David Price, Ben Zobrist, and half the San Diego Padres roster, it seems Jed Hoyer and Theo Epstein came up empty at the trade deadline.
Soon after the deadline passed, a new rumor began to circle around MLB trade rumor sites. The rumor professed the Cubs interest in veteran second baseman, Chase Utley from the Philadelphia Phillies.
Utley has cleared waivers, as @Ken_Rosenthal said. Full no trade still apply, but can be traded if he OKs. SF, NYY, Cubs scouted last night
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyCSN) August 11, 2015
Not only were the Cubs rumored to be interested, they were rumored to have made an offer to Philly for Utley’s services.
ICYMI, Cubs May Have Made Offer on Chase Utley, Questions About Fit and Likelihood of http://t.co/C19BaBxrDB #Cubs pic.twitter.com/0xGhU22e0x
— Brett Taylor (@BleacherNation) August 17, 2015
But as Bob Nightengale tweeted out this morning, those trade rumors are likely dead in the water now.
Chase Utley likely to stay with #Phillies rest of season, GM Ruben Amaro tells SportsRadio WIP
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 18, 2015
There were rumors out there that the Cubs had floated Starlin Castro to the Phillies, again, and again the Phillies were not interested in Castro’s services. If this is indeed the case, have Jed and Theo not learned yet? If all of the rumored offers are true, the Cubs have dangled Castro since before the season began, and since the season began teams around baseball have had no interest in a deal that showcased Castro coming back in return.
The Cubs have been feverishly looking to add another veteran bat, and while Schwarber has seemed to fit the bill as a power bat to put in left, the thought is the Cubs are now looking for an upgrade at second base. If Utley is indeed off the market, could the team look towards the White Sox and veteran bat Emilio Bonifacio, who was recently designated for assignment? Or do they wait until September when they can call-up Javier Baez?
Tell me your thoughts Cubs fans.
Just wait. Didn’t see how Utley was gonna fit in with Castro, Coghlan, Lastella, and Baez all trying to get time at second as it is. Would rather stick with the guys we have.