New York Yankees Trade Rumors: Chase Utley May Be Headed To The Yankees
According to Andy Martino of the New York Daily News, the New York Yankees are expected to have interest in making an August transaction that would land them a former All-Star second baseman, who could add much needed depth to their weakest position. The New York Yankees current second baseman, Stephen Drew, has a .196 batting average. Stephen Drew, who has played 92 games for the New York Yankees and plays second base, has a .196 batting average this season.
The New York Yankees are pursuing Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley. The Phillies announced that Utley would rejoin the club on Friday. It is, most likely, too late for him to reach the sufficient number of plate appearances to trigger his vesting option, which makes it a straight organization decision whether to pick him up at $15 million or buy him out for $2 million. With that said, Chase’s return will still be very intriguing since he could be a hot trade target during August.
Rumor has it that the Yankees might be pursuing Chase Utley on the waiver trade market. Say it ain't so, Cashman @Yankees.
— Bronx Bomber Ball (@BronxBomberBall) August 7, 2015
Brendan Ryan seems to have solved the New York Yankees middle infield problems in the short term, but Utley could add depth, which solves this problem in the long term. As of Friday, Ryan is hitting .289 in just 16 games played this season.
As @CaseyStern just observed, Chase Utley going from #Phillies to #Yankees in August makes sense for a lot of reasons.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) August 1, 2015
As previously reported by the Inquisitr, the Chicago Cubs also have interest in acquiring Utley, as they need depth at the second base position. But the Cubs would much rather continue with their trend of younger players, Utley is 36-years-old.
Dustin Ackley isn't the answer either, play Refsnyder or trade for Brandon Phillips or Chase Utley…oh yeah, and a freakin pitcher #yankees
— Juan C González (@jcGonZo311) July 31, 2015
Another contender, the Los Angeles Dodgers are also interested in obtaining the veteran infielder. But they are probably the team with the most ground to make up in this race since they already have a formidable option at second base, veteran Howie Kendrick.
Losing chase utley is hard but losing chase utley to the Yankees would be an absolute tragedy
— baseballin' (@inthephanattic) August 1, 2015
All of these teams’ interest in Chase Utley depends upon the form he shows when he returns from injury. If it is anything like how he played earlier this season, then the Utley trade discussion would deflate quickly. In 65 games, Chase was hitting just .179 with only four home runs and 25 RBI.
Would I take Chase Utley and his .176 average over Stephen Drew? YES. #Yankees
— Jeff Capellini (@JCapGLJ) August 6, 2015
This trade seems unlikely, but if a deal is unable to be made with Martin Prado, then Utley may be a major target of the New York Yankees. Also, Yankees manager Joe Girardi appears to like Drew at second base, as they have prioritized defense this season.
Do you think the New York Yankees will make a transaction in order to acquire Chase Utley? If not, what other moves do you see the New York Yankees making during this month of August?
[Image Source: Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images]
