One of the more surprising developments for the Los Angeles Dodgers this season was the emergence of 37-year-old Chase Utley as the starting second baseman and leadoff hitter.
While it was believed that Howie Kendrick would be the team’s starter at second, he began the season on the disabled list. That presented Utley with an opportunity and he made the most of it.
The veteran is now one of the Dodgers’ several free agents, and is someone the club is said to have an interest in re-signing. However, that presumably would come under the notion Utley returns in a bench or platoon role.
While the market for Utley, who turns 38 years old on Dec. 17, has understandably been relatively quiet, the Dodgers appear to have competition from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for his services, per Jon Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball:
The Los Angeles Angles are emerging as a possible destination for free agent second baseman Chase Utley, sources tell FanRag Sports.
Utley played in 138 games this season, batting .252/.319/.396 with 14 home runs, 52 RBIs and 79 runs scored. However, he went through prolonged slumps and struggled in the postseason, going just 3-for-28.
The 138 games were the most Utley appeared in since 2014. Beyond on-field contributions, the Dodgers value his presence in the clubhouse and more specifically, mentorship provided to Corey Seager.
The Dodgers are currently without a starter at second base, but have recently been linked to the likes of Brian Dozier, Ian Kinsler and Logan Forsythe. Los Angeles has reportedly been in strong pursuit of Dozier, and are said to have the Minnesota Twins’ attention for a potential trade.
