Chicago Cubs Rumors: Chase Utley being considered during waiver period?

With the non-waiver trade deadline behind us, teams across the league will have the opportunity to continue making moves via August’s waiver period – which is something the Chicago Cubs may take advantage of.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Philadelphia Phillies veteran infielder Chase Utley is being considered by Theo Epstein and this front-office as they hope to improve their offense while making a push for a post-season berth. Whether it’s the N.L. Central division crown or one of the two spots in the Wild Card race, this team is still in contention.

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The Cubs won their fourth straight game in yesterday’s 4-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers behind big flies from both Anthony Rizzo and rookie catcher Kyle Schwarber.

Prior to the win streak, the offense has been almost non-existent as Utley’s Phillies ran through this third-place Cubs last week when they were able to sweep the North Sider’s.

Recently traded Cole Hamels worked a no-hitter last Saturday then Philadelphia’s offense piled it on, walking away with the 11-5 victory the following day. Talk about frustrating times, just glad they were able to get themselves together against the Rockies.

Now, outfielder Junior Lake, shortstop Elliott Soto, and right-hander Ivan Pineyro were traded to acquire Dan Haren from the Miami Marlins and Tommy Hunter from the Baltimore Orioles. If the Cubs are considering trading for someone who is hitting just .179/.257/.75, which prospect or prospects would Chicago consider shipping away? 

Philadelphia cut ties with veteran shortstop, Jimmy Rollins who now represents the Los Angeles Dodgers in the N.L. West. He was traded to the Dodgers for prospects Tom Windle and Zach Eflin back in mid-December.

There’s no way the Cubs would part ways with Starlin Castro or Javier Baez for Utley who is going through a rehab assignment with their Triple-A affiliate, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

Utley was placed on the disabled list back on June 23 with right ankle flammation and isn’t expected to be the team’s primary second baseman whenever he returns to the big league level.

"“Cesar Hernandez is our best second baseman. I would assume that Cesar would be our second baseman. I think that’s fair.” – Phils’ GM Ruben Amaro Jr. via CSN Philly"

The comment above was made back in early July and surely, it still stands. So, if the Cubs were able to bring him in, would he fit with this organization if he doesn’t in Philadelphia?

Sure, he could possibly become a better option than Jonathan Herrera, but there’s no telling when Javier Baez will make his return to the 25-man roster for Joe Maddon.

Prior to being injured, Utley has recorded four home runs, 23 RBI, one triple, seven doubles, 39 hits in 218 at-bats. If you ask me, the Cubs should consider looking elsewhere unless Amaro Jr. is willing to part with him for two unknown prospects.