In addition to unveiling new reliever Archie Bradley on Monday, the Phillies made a trade.
The team acquired infielder C.J. Chatham from the Boston Red Sox for a player to be named later. To clear room for Chatham on the 40-man roster, the Phils designated reliever Victor Arano for assignment.
Chatham, 26, has a .298 batting average and .337 on-base percentage in 1,106 plate appearances over four minor league seasons. He became available because he was passed by other infielders in the Red Sox system and that club needed roster space.
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New Phillies president of baseball ops Dave Dombrowski was in the same position with the Red Sox when that club selected Chatham in the second round of the 2016 draft. Dombrowski was happy to take a chance on Chatham, who can play three infield positions and has some experience in the outfield.
“He’s a good player,” Dombrowski said. “He’s on the verge of playing at the big-league level. If he’s not, he’s in Triple A depending on how our club falls into place.”
Chatham has spent most of his time in the minors as a shortstop. The ability to play that position, and others, makes him a candidate for future work as a utility man. Earlier this winter, the Phils selected shortstop Kyle Holder from the Yankees in the Rule 5 draft. He and Chatham will both get a chance to make the big club in spring training. The Phils also have Nick Maton and Bryson Stott in the pipeline at shortstop. Currently, the position is open at the big-league level, but that could change in the coming days and weeks if free agent Didi Gregorius returns. The Phils are in negotiations with him. If Gregorius returns, he will likely pair with Jean Segura or Scott Kingery at second base. Segura has also been mentioned as a trade possibility so the middle infield depth is valuable.
Chatham got to Triple A with the Red Sox in 2019. He hit .298 with a .333 on-base percentage and a .408 slugging percentage between Double A and Triple A that season. He stroked 31 doubles and five homers at the two levels.
MLB
“He’s a good defensive player. He has good bat-to-ball skills,” Dombrowski said. “He hasn’t hit with much power so far but I’ve seen him hit the ball with some power. He has a little more pop than you think. Anyone who is a utility infielder who can play shortstop and play it well is a plus for you."
Arano was one of two players that the Phillies designated for assignment on Monday. Outfielder Kyle Garlick was let go to make room for Bradley.
Arano opened eyes when he pitched to a 2.57 ERA in his first 70 big-league games from September 12, 2017 through the 2018 season. He was not the same pitcher early in the 2019 season and required elbow surgery after just three outings. He did not pitch in the majors in 2020. It’s possible that the Phillies could retain Arano in the minor leagues if he clears waivers.
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