Last December the Los Angeles Dodgers made a surprising decision to re-sign Chase Utley to a one-year contract. While it was a low-risk commitment to the veteran, Utley played 34 largely uninspiring games with the Dodgers after being traded to the organization in August.
The initial plan called for Utley to earn playing time at second base and third base. But a strained calf sidelined Howie Kendrick in Spring Training and he began the season on the disabled list. Utley took hold of second base and remained the everyday starter.
He was one of nine Dodgers to become a free agent the morning after the Chicago Cubs won the World Series.
The Dodgers’ search for a second baseman thus far into the offseason has tied them to Detroit Tigers’ Ian Kinsler, Brian Dozier of the Minnesota Twins, and Pittsburgh Pirates free agent Sean Rodriguez.
According to Mike Berardino of the Pioneer Press, the Dodgers nonetheless remain open to re-signing Utley:
Even as they search for 2B upgrades via trade, #Dodgers are telling people they remain "very open" to bringing back FA Chase Utley, 38 soon.
— Mike Berardino (@MikeBerardino) November 21, 2016
Utley, who will turn 38 years old on Dec. 17, appeared in 138 games this season. He .252/.319/.396 with 26 doubles, 14 home runs, 52 RBI and a 95 OPS+. The Southern California native fared particularly well into May before cooling off, seemingly in response to the rigors of being a starter.
Continuing with his downward trend, Utley struggled in the postseason. He went just 3-for-28 with two RBI, three walks and eight strikeouts over 10 games. He did manage to deliver a go-ahead, RBI single against the Washington Nationals in Game 4 of the National League Division Series.
In August, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed Utley had been hampered by foot soreness for one month. Just one week prior, Utley said he intended to continue playing beyond this season.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman recently said the club still valued the intangibles Utley brings. Namely, serving as a leader in the clubhouse and mentor to Corey Seager.
