The MLB's non-waiver trade deadline passed last week, but waivers deals can still be executed up until August 31. The Philadelphia Phillies could find a suitor for second baseman Chase Utley this month, according to the latest rumors, and the Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees and others could be suitors.
Utley, 36, has not played in an MLB game since suffering an ankle injury back in late June. He was having the worst season of his career prior to hitting the disabled list, but he could still be an attractive piece for a contending club as the competition heats up down the stretch. It was previously believed Utley would be a potentially valuable trade candidate before July 31, but his .179/.257/.275 stat line really hurt his case.
One team has already been linked to Utley in trade rumors after the deadline and two other clubs could be targeting the veteran second baseman as well.
"The Cubs aren't done looking for players to help down the stretch, and sources say one of the players they've discussed internally as a potential August waiver-period target is Phillies second baseman Chase Utley," Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times wrote a couple of days ago.
"Major League Baseball's trade deadline has come and gone, but players can still move this month and be eligible for postseason play through the waiver process," added Ryan Lawrence of the Philadelphia Daily News. "...the Los Angeles Angels and New York Yankees are other potential suitors [for Utley]."
There could also be another team lurking the shadows.
"It really wouldn't surprise to me to see [the San Francisco Giants] try to supplement here and there if the right guy pops out on the waiver wire," ESPN's Jayson Stark said on the Baseball Tonight Podcast. "Chase Utley would be right at the top of my list of guys that would fit on their team."
Click here to learn more about how waiver trades are completed.
Let's take a quick look at each of these teams and see how Utley could be a fit.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs have one of the youngest rosters in the MLB and as they remain in the postseason discussion it's possible the front office is looking to acquire some more veterans for leadership purposes. Utley has extensive postseason experience and would provide solid depth at second base behind Addison Russell. If he were to rebound at the plate when he returns from his injury then he would provide a good source of offense for Chicago when he's in the lineup.
Los Angeles Angels
The Angels have made it fairly clear they are looking for upgrades in the infield, and although Utley wouldn't be an upgrade at the moment, he could be down the stretch especially in the stacked Angels' lineup. If they've been keeping an eye on Utley, it could mean they are a bit skeptical of using Johnny Giavotella and his .662 OPS down the stretch as they compete with the Houston Astros for an AL West title.
New York Yankees
The Yankees' second base issues have been well-documented this season. Stephen Drew has picked it up a bit, but he's still batting .199/.268/.390 in 91 games this season; prospect Rob Refsnyder proved earlier this year that his defense is probably not yet suited for MLB competition; and youngster Jose Pirela has not made an impact when given the opportunity to do so. However, the Yankees acquired Dustin Ackley from the Seattle Mariners before the deadline and he's capable of playing second base even though he's been used in the outfield since the beginning of 2014.
San Francisco Giants
The Giants were rumored to have been discussing the acquisition of Utley last season, but Joe Panik stepped up and was an integral part of the team's World Series run. However, Panik was placed on the disabled list yesterday with a lower back injury and it's unclear how much time he'll miss.
"Joe Panik is going to be out a while," added Stark on the BBTN Podcast. "I wonder if [the Giants] could be a team poking around on Chase Utley in August."
It's certainly a possibility, but it's likely the Giants see how Ehire Adrianza and Kelby Tomlinson perform during Panik's absence before making a move for Utley, who is owed about $5 million the rest of the way.
Additionally, Utley is perhaps a much more viable trade candidate for all of these clubs at this point because of his contract. His $15 million option for 2016 will vest if he makes 500 plate appearances this season, but there's little chance that will happen since he needs 251 more to reach that incentive with less than 60 games left in the season. He's expected to hit free agency after 2015.
As the competition for the postseason heats up, keep an eye on some of these clubs to possibly make a move for Utley.
