Dodgers Rumors: Chase Utley Still Being Considered for Second Base
The Dodgers have a few gaps in their roster, with third base, second base, and the closer role being the most notable. Fans continue to stress the importance of re-signing free agents Justin Turner and Kenley Jansen to fill a couple of those positions, but many forget to include Chase Utley in the conversation.
According to MLB Trade Rumors, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press noted that the Dodgers are “very open” to re-signing Chase 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 BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) November 21, 2016
He also notes that a source told him that a trade between the Twins and Dodgers for Brian Dozier does not seem very likely at this point.
Dozier talks b/t #mntwins and #Dodgers don't seem to have much traction at this point. "I wouldn't hold your breath," one official said.
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) November 21, 2016
In 2016 with the Dodgers, Chase Utley had a slash line of .252/.319/.396, with 14 home runs and 52 RBIs. Though the veteran is coming up on 38 years-old, his talents are hardly dwindling.
[graphiq id=”4aFVodbdOlv” title=”Chase Utley 2016 Complete Batting Splits” width=”640″ height=”801″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/4aFVodbdOlv” link=”http://baseball-players.pointafter.com/l/16721/Chase-Utley” link_text=”PointAfter | Graphiq” ]Oh yeah, he’s also as good defensively as he has ever been. Even when he messes up, he still makes the play!
With the Dodgers desperate for a solid second baseman, should they give up some prospects and invest in a Dozier or Kinsler, or stick with Utley, a player with value on and off the field? Let us know in the comments below!
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Maybe in a back up role but I am not sure Dodgers can expect Utley to hold on so to speak for an entire season. In 2016 we saw him fade down the stretch, especially offensively.