When Chase Utley approved a trade to Los Angeles last July, Utley reportedly turned down other opportunities, as he wished to play in his home state of California. As Utley experiences his very first free agency, Utley is looking to do more of the same. Lucky for Utley, two teams have interest.
ESPN's Jayson Stark reports that Utley has plenty of California suitors:
Angels & Dodgers both remain interested in Chase Utley. One friend of Utley says he has options, but his preference is to play in California
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) December 3, 2015
The Padres are the latest Calif. team to show strong interest in Chase Utley. Reported earlier that the Angels & Dodgers had interest.
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) December 4, 2015
Utley lives further north in San Francisco area, but his familial roots are in Southern California.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have no clear second baseman at this point; both Utley and starting second baseman Howie Kendrick are free agents. MLB Trade Rumors points out that versatile player Enrique Hernandez could fill the second base void, but certainly having another second baseman would give Hernandez the ability to play some outfield if necessary.
Further, it is unknown whether or not a team out there still views Utley as a starting second baseman. Utley may be considered more of a utility player at this point. The Dodgers used Utley at third base, second base, and first base, also getting some time at designated hitter.
In 2015, Utley batted .212 with eight home runs and 39 runs batted in 373 at bats. Injuries limited Utley, too. Had Utley reached 500 plate appearances, a $15 million option in his contract would have vested. After the Dodgers declined a $15 option for 2016, Utley became a free agent.
