Chase Utley has a pending appeal case for his two-game suspension received during the National League Division Series. The Mets won the series and the Dodgers were eliminated from contention, but Utley's two-game suspension would carry into next season unless he wins his appeal. While the appeal is delayed seemingly indefinitely, Utley will have to find a team.
The New York Post spoke with Utley's agent, who says Utley will indeed play another year:
“One hundred percent he is playing next year,” Utley’s representative, Joel Wolfe, told The Post.
There had been suspicion Utley might retire because his appeal hearing for his two-game suspension for his takeout slide of Ruben Tejada was moved from last Monday to an unspecified date next spring. The thought was why have a hearing if Utley might decide to call it a career during the winter.
Where would Utley fit?
One option would be the Dodgers. Both Utley and Howie Kendrick, the team's second baseman, are free agents. The Dodgers did inherit Utley's contract option, but they likely will decline it. After batting .212, Utley is not worth $15 million a year. Utley is now 37 years old and figures to be an extra player.
The American League might be a good fit for Utley, who might be able to serve as a designated hitter and play some games at first and second base. The Houston Astros reportedly wanted Utley for such a role, but Utley reportedly declined the chance to go to Houston. Utley might look to the Los Angeles Angels, who suffered from poor second base production in 2015. Utley could be insurance and leadership at the same time.
Whoever Utley signs with, he will have a two-game suspension to start the season. That is, unless he wins.
