Chicago Cubs: Former outfielder Chris Coghlan signs with the Phillies

The Chicago Cubs had to excuse a few players from their World Series roster this past offseason. While it hurt to watch a few leave, there were several individuals who flew under the radar.

In 2015, former National League Rookie of the Year, Chris Coghlan, had a huge season with the Chicago Cubs. A year after signing a minor league deal with the Cubs, Coghlan proved to not only be a valuable defender but hitter as well.

At the end of the 2015 campaign, Coghlan hit a career-high 16 home runs while matching a second career-best of 41 RBI. Having the ability to play anywhere on the field, including first base, Coghlan proved his worth.

Right before Cactus League play was underway, the Cubs shipped Coghlan out to Oakland in exchange for Aaron Brooks. It didn’t look like Chris was comfortable in Oakland, hitting only .146.

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So when it was obvious that Chicago needed some depth, they reached out to Oakland’s front office and made another deal. Shortly after, Coghlan was on his way back to the North Side of Chicago, hitting .252 with the Cubs.

Although he hit four fewer home runs with Chicago, his glove did the talking. He had two defensive assists while out in left field. A position that should have been held down by Kyle Schwarber. We all know what occurred in early April.

Silent exit

Like a handful of Cubs hitters, Coghlan struggled in the postseason. Over the course of seven at-bats, the 31-year-old veteran went 0-for-7 against all three playoff opponents. He did, however, come around to score on Miguel Montero‘s grand slam in Game 1 of the LCS.

When it was time to make offseason roster adjustments, letting Coghlan loose for the second time was an obvious choice. But this isn’t the last time we’ll see Chris in a big league uniform.

According to Todd Zolecki yesterday on Twitter, the Philadelphia Phillies signed Chris to a minor league deal. Philadelphia is currently in rebuild mode and is the former employer of Cubs’ legend, Ryne Sandberg.

Sandberg was the skipped in Philadelphia for a brief period of time before he made the decision to step down. Now, Ryne is back home where he belongs and celebrated with the boys following their World Series win.

Next: What should we expect from Cactus League play?

On top of Coghlan’s new minor league deal, the Phillies have invited him to Spring Training. There is no doubt in my mind that he will find a way on that 25-man roster. After being overlooked multiple times, Coghlan has a way of silencing his critics.

No, he is not a threat to win National League MVP honors, but he has the heart of a warrior and will not back down from a challenge. It was fun while it lasted, Chris. Best of luck to him and his family in the City of Brotherly Love.