Glaring quote out of New York shows why DJ LeMahieu doesn't make sense for the Cubs

Considering how poorly the Chicago Cubs have performed at the third base position and how underwhelming the team's bench has been all season long, it makes sense that when a veteran, former Gold Glove and batting champion infielder like DJ LeMahieu becomes available, fans want to give him a look. However, these days, it doesn't require a very long look to realize that the former Cub and now former New York Yankee isn't worth the trouble.

LeMahieu was DFA'd on Wednesday night, and seeing that name on the open market almost certainly made most Cubs fans reflexively think "why not?" After all, despite being well past his prime, he's slashing a respectable (especially considering Chicago's bench) .266/.338/.336/.674 and a 90 OPS+ on the season.

He's also a former Chicago Cubs farmhand who Wrigley denizens never really got to see, considering he was traded away back in 2011 for third baseman Ian Stewart. However, throughout his 15-year career, he has often looked like one of the best options at third base, but he's no longer anywhere close to that anymore.

Chicago Cubs can’t count on DJ LeMahieu’s bat or glove to solve the third-base headache

There's the fact that he's been there for 15 years. Then there's the little tidbit that he's several years removed from posting a full season with an OPS+ of 100.

And there's one part of this coming from the Yankees' side of this whole thing.

"Aaron Boone said DJ LeMahieu was willing to begin working at 3B again," beat writer Bryan Hoch wrote on Twitter. "But the position had been too physically demanding for him. There were lengthy discussions yesterday and today between LeMahieu, Boone and Brian Cashman. LeMahieu didn't ask for his release and is not happy with the outcome."

If the Cubs did think about kicking the tires on the veteran infielder, it would be, in large part, because he could take over at third base on occasion for struggling rookie Matt Shaw. It appears that LeMahieu is not physically able to do that anymore.

While his name is an attractive one, it's clear that the Chicago Cubs need to look elsewhere for help at third base and on the bench. That LeMahieu could be had for the league minimum is appealing, but it looks like even that is overpaying at this point.