UPDATE: The Giants have made an offer to the Phillies for second baseman Chase Utley, according to Chris Haft of MLB.com.
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On Monday it was reported the San Francisco Giants were scouting Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley. Yesterday rumors suggested other clubs are interested in the veteran after scouts from multiple teams were seen at the game between the Phillies and Arizona Diamondbacks.
Despite the apparent demand for Utley, the Giants have emerged as the frontrunner to acquire the second baseman, according to FOX Sports' Jon Morosi. Here are a series of tweets from Morosi:
Sources: #SFGiants and #Phillies in ongoing talks about Chase Utley trade. Stage is advanced enough that prospect names have been discussed.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) August 12, 2015
Chase Utley a good fit for #SFGiants roster. Joe Panik may not return until Sept. 1, and even then he may not be ready to play every day.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) August 12, 2015
Once Panik returns, #SFGiants could go with Utley at 1B, Panik at 2B, and Belt in LF. Belt has 10 starts there this year. (Aoki back now.)
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) August 12, 2015
San Francisco placed second baseman Joe Panik on the disabled list last week with lower back inflammation. It's unknown when the 24-year-old will return to action, but it was reported last night the Giants are going to be conservative with his recovery process.
"The news wasn't as good on Joe Panik, who was still wearing a wrap on his back in the clubhouse," Carl Steward of the San Jose Mercury News wrote. "[Manager Bruce] Bochy said the second baseman won't be able to start baseball activity until the end of the homestand and Bochy said his D.L. stint will likely extend beyond his eligibity date (Aug. 17)."
General manager Bobby Evans also talked to Steward about the potential acquisition of Utley.
"Evans acknowledged that the Giants have had discussions with the Phillies about veteran second baseman Chase Utley, but added the club is looking at a number of depth options through possible waiver deals."
The Giants were rumored to have inquired about Utley last season when Panik was struggling before the non-waiver trade deadline. However, the rookie rose to the occasion and finished with a .305 batting average (after hitting .211 through July) and San Francisco had no reason to deal for the veteran. However, now the Giants are dealing with a number of injuries to Panik, Angel Pagan and Andrew Susac, which affects what Bochy can do with the lineup.
Utley has shown some promise since his return from the disabled list this month after batting just .179 through his first 65 games. His salary for this season is $15 million and he's owed over $4 million the rest of the way. If the two sides work out a deal it's likely the Phillies will pay a majority of the remaining money as he's slated to hit free agency after this season because he is not on pace to fulfill his vesting option of 500 plate appearances in 2015.
Stay tuned for updates on the trade talks between the Giants and Phillies.
