Last week the Cubs designated infielder Darwin Barney for assignment and now Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports that they’re close to trading him to the Dodgers.
Barney was the Cubs’ starting second baseman for three-and-a-half seasons, but with several high-upside prospects knocking on the door to the majors they decided sticking with a good-glove, no-hit player wasn’t worthwhile.
Barney is a career .244 hitter with a .625 OPS and he’s posted a sub-.300 on-base percentage in three straight seasons. He’s more suited to be a utility man than a starter at age 28.
UPDATE: Patrick Mooney of CSNChicago.com reports that the Cubs will receive a player to be named later in exchange for Barney. It’s a done deal now.