Offense is coveted during a postseason hunt and several teams continue to look at Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley as they attempt to improve their offense. Currently, six teams are in on the 13-year veteran — including the Houston Astros, Los Angeles Angels, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants, and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Hearing credible buzz tonight about Astros being in Utley chase. Could get time 1B, DH. 6 teams apparently in: Cubs, SF, NYY, 2 LA
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyCSN) August 15, 2015
According to Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com, the Astros have emerged as a serious suitor for Utley. On the surface, that may raise some eyebrows, since the Astros have one of the best second baseman in baseball, Jose Altuve. He’s not struggling either, as he’s hitting .298 with nine HR and 48 RBI in an All-Star 2015 season.
But Salisbury notes that if a deal is made, Utley would not slot into second base, rather, he would see time at first base and designated hitter. The team has struggled to find consistent production from their DH in 2015, with players like Jon Singleton struggling. Therefore, Utley, who’s played just 31 career games at first base, would be mostly used at a new position in hopes of contributing offensively.
Aside from the Astros, the Angels also reportedly have serious interest in Utley, according to Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com. However, Gonzalez points out the obstacles of acquiring Utley for the Angels. Obstacles including roster flexibility, an incumbent at second base, and more.
#Angels are exploring the possibility of adding veteran 2B Chase Utley, who has cleared waivers and is 7-for-17 since coming off the DL.
— Alden Gonzalez (@Alden_Gonzalez) August 14, 2015
Not sure to what degree they’re interested, though. Giavotella is batting.320 this month, but Utley is a LHH who can also fill in at 1B.
— Alden Gonzalez (@Alden_Gonzalez) August 14, 2015
One problem with the #Angels , trivial as it might seem, is they lack roster flexibility with their position player club. No easy option/DFA.
— Alden Gonzalez (@Alden_Gonzalez) August 14, 2015
As previously reported by the Inquisitr, the Giants have maintained interest in Utley — with reports going as far as suggesting that the teams were in serious discussions . Twenty-four-year-old Joe Panik is currently on the disabled list and Utley could fill in during Panik’s absence and be a positive veteran influence.
Similarly, the Dodgers lost Howie Kendrick to the DL on Monday to a left hamstring strain. With Kendrick sidelined, L.A. has been forced to rely on unreliable players such as Alex Guerrero and Alberto Callaspo at second base, yielding poor results in the process. The 32-year-old Kendrick is expected to return this season but hamstring injuries can linger. Thus, Utley could be a solid insurance policy.
As Gonzalez mentioned, the 36-year-old Utley was 7-for-17 coming into Friday’s action, having come off the DL one week earlier. In Friday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Utley went 4-for-5 with a double and one RBI. Therefore, entering Saturday, Utley’s line for 2015 sits at a .208 BA with four HR and 29 RBI having gone 11 for his last 22 (.500).
Despite having missed nearly two months, Utley might be an improvement at second base for the Yankees. Thanks to his productive Friday evening, his batting average in 2015 is higher (.208) than Stephen Drew’s (.195). Drew has spent the most time at second base for the Yankees in 2015. But he has hit 15 HR during that time.
Finally, the Cubs are also interested in Utley but they appear the least likely to acquire him. They have Addison Russel, Starlin Castro, and others to fill in at both shortstop and/or second base. Also, with Anthony Rizzo at first base, Utley may not have much playing time on his hands.
Yet, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com writes that the Giants, Angels, and Cubs are the top three destinations for Utley. He cites proximity, playing time, and postseason opportunity as the big three things that Utley is looking for. Utley can veto any trade thanks to his 10-and-5 (10 years in the league, five with the same team) rights.
The Giants and Angels are relatively close to his home just outside of San Francisco. They are also both on the cusp on the postseason. Yet, both have a second baseman, with the Giants Panik back soon. The Cubs remain in play but also do not appear to be an ideal match.
In the end, Utley will decide if he wants to leave Philadelphia to chase another World Series title.
[Image by Elsa/Getty Images]