UPDATE: Utley has cleared waivers and can be traded to any MLB club.
Sources: Utley cleared waivers. Can be traded to any club. Has right to veto any deal as player with 10 years service, five with same team.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 11, 2015
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Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley was having the worst season of his MLB career and was among the worst in the league before hitting the disabled list. However, he has showed some improvement since being activated last week.
Utley is 5-for-13 with three doubles, three runs scored and three RBIs since returning from the DL and the Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants are interested in possibly acquiring him in a trade, according to the latest rumors.
"It all smells like a showcase for potential trade partners. Three clubs that could be potential trade fits for Utley -- the Giants, Yankees and Cubs -- had scouts at Monday night's game," writes Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly. "The Giants have watched Utley four straight games, following him from San Diego to Phoenix."
It was previously speculated these clubs were interested in Utley, as reported last week. The Los Angeles Angels were also mentioned in those rumors, but it doesn't appear as if they're continuing to pursue the veteran at this point.
"Chase Utley looks like a trade candidate," Jon Heyman of CBS Sports wrote last week. "He will surely clear waivers, and there's likely to be some believers in him, despite his awful (.179) start."
The Cubs, Yankees and Giants have a much bigger need at second base than the Angels do. Chicago could look to use Starlin Castro elsewhere (probably not at second base) as they've shifted Addison Russell over from second for three games over the weekend; the Yankees have been dealing with issues at the position all year as Stephen Drew, Jose Pirela and Rob Refsnyder don't appear to be definitive solutions at this point; and the Giants recently placed Joe Panik on the DL with lower back inflammation and his timetable for return is unknown right now.
The Phillies placed Utley on revocable waivers over the weekend, according to FOX Sports' Jon Morosi, and he had until 1 p.m. today to be claimed. If he clears waivers he can be traded to any MLB club. However, there are some things to keep in mind.
"Besides Utley's 10-and-5 rights, a deal could be complicated," writes Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. "He is making $15 million this season, which means he still is owed about $4.5 million. He also has a $15 million club option for next season, which includes a $2 million buyout. The option automatically vests with 500 plate appearances this season, but Utley has only 259, so that is no longer an issue."
The Phillies are likely open to trading him to save some money and put the veteran in a better position to win this season and possibly beyond. They've already traded a number of their notable veterans, and Utley is next in line to go.
