Phils add INF Chatham in trade with Boston

January 18th, 2021

The Phillies acquired infielder C.J. Chatham from the Red Sox for a player to be named later or cash, the teams announced on Monday.

Chatham ranked as the 14th-best prospect in Boston's system per MLB Pipeline, and he slots in at No. 23 in Philadelphia's system.

“He’s on the verge of playing at the big-league level,” said Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski, who led Boston's front office when Chatham was drafted in the second round in 2016. “If he’s not, he’s in Triple-A depending on how our club falls into place. Anyone who is a utility infielder who can play shortstop and play it well is a plus for you.”

Chatham, 26, has hit .298 (305-for-1,024) with 14 home runs and a .739 OPS in 266 career Minor League games. He reached the Triple-A level for the first time in 2019, appearing in 20 games with Pawtucket and batting .302 (26-for-86) with two home runs. He spent the 2020 season at the Red Sox’s alternate training site in Pawtucket, R.I.

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Phillies designated right-hander Vìctor Arano for assignment.