Dodgers re-sign former Phillies 2B Chase Utley

By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor

GLENDALE, Ariz. — With the Super Bowl and football season over, and spring training on the horizon, baseball is becoming more and more of a focal point in the sports world.

For former Philadelphia Phillies World Series-winning second baseman Chase Utley, another chance to compete for the ultimate prize — as did the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this month — is now possible, 10 years later. The Los Angeles Dodgers reached a two-year, Major League deal with the 39-year-old on Tuesday, pending a physical, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports and Jerry Crasnick of ESPN. On Feb. 16, the Dodgers made the two-year, $2 million signing official.

Heyman was the first to report on Monday that the Dodgers were in "serious talks" to re-sign Utley. The Dodgers are "big" on what Utley can contribute to the club this season, per Heyman, citing his professionalism as "a major reason" for both sides coming to an agreement.

In 299 games since joining the Dodgers via trade on August 19, 2015, Utley is batting .240/.317/.395 with 55 doubles, eight triples, 25 home runs, 95 RBIs, 82 walks and 201 strikeouts.

The Phillies received prospects RHP John Richy and utility man Darnell Sweeney in exchange for the six-time All-Star and four-time silver Slugger Award winner. Neither remain in the organization, however, with Richy released last July, and Sweeney dealt back to the Dodgers for IF/OF Howie Kendrick in November 2016.

The Dodgers have appeared in the postseason each season with Utley on their team, advancing to the Division Series in 2015, League Championship Series in 2016 and World Series in 2017. The Dodgers failed to capture their seventh World Series title in franchise history last season, however, falling to the A.J. Hinch-led Houston Astros in seven games.

Although Utley was successful in the postseason with the Phillies, including his five-home run, eight-RBI performance during the 2009 World Series against the New York Yankees, he has largely struggled in the postseason with the Dodgers. Through 22 games and 54 plate appearances, Utley has scored just three runs on four singles, two RBIs, five walks and 14 strikeouts.

Utley joins LHP Cole Hamels (Texas Rangers), LHP J.A. Happ (Toronto Blue Jays) and RHP Ryan Madson (Washington Nationals) as the only members from the Phillies' 2008 championship team to remain on an active roster. Joe Blanton, Kyle Kendrick, Carlos Ruiz, Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino and Jayson Werth enter spring training as free agents.

Despite his statistical struggles, the Dodgers still find justification in bringing back Utley — who will turn 40 in December — for his 16th year in the league.

The Dodgers' first full squad workout is set for Monday, Feb. 19.