UPDATE: Both teams have announced the trade.
#Phillies have traded Chase Utley and cash considerations to the Dodgers in exchange for INF/OF Darnell Sweeney and RHP John Richy.
— Phillies (@Phillies) August 20, 2015
The Dodgers have acquired infielder Chase Utley and cash considerations from @Phillies for minor leaguers Darnell Sweeney and John Richy.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 20, 2015
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UPDATE: The deal to send Utley to the Dodgers has been agreed upon.
while deal hasn't been signed yet, sides have agreed on deal of utley plus 2M to LA for 2 minor leaguers.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) August 19, 2015
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UPDATE: The Los Angeles Dodgers are now reportedly the frontrunner for Chase Utley, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com.
Sources: Phillies, Dodgers moving closer to deal for Chase Utley. Nothing finalized. https://t.co/SbygZUsEEd
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) August 19, 2015
Jon Heyman of CBS Sports also notes the two sides are discussing players.
dodgers in talks for utley. would be "mid-tier" prospect/prospects. talks "progressing" @ToddZolecki https://t.co/tfoeDIEy4f
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) August 19, 2015
And FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal has the financials.
Sources: #Phillies, #Dodgers talking about Utley for two minor leaguers, with LAD assuming ~$2M of Utley's remaining ~$6M obligation.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 19, 2015
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Yesterday it was reported that a trade involving Phillies second baseman Chase Utley was unlikely. Now the latest trade rumors suggest he could be headed to these three MLB clubs: the San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Angels.
Phillies' general manager Ruben Amaro said yesterday that it's "very likely" Utley remains with the team for the rest of the season, which seemed pretty reasonable especially since Maikel Franco was found to have a fractured wrist on Monday. However, plans have changed, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal and Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
Sources: Utley situation with #Phillies coming to head. Trade possible today.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 19, 2015
angels, giants, cubs seem possible for utley (perhaps in that order). @Ken_Rosenthal suggests trade still possible soon
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) August 19, 2015
As previous rumors have indicated, Utley's desire is to be traded to a West Coast contender, and Heyman notes the Los Angeles Dodgers are high on the second baseman's list, but they aren't involved as much as the other clubs. However, he said, "word seems to be that the Los Angeles Angels could be a preference for Utley."
That mirrors what ESPN's Jayson Stark noted soon thereafter.
As @Ken_Rosenthal tweeted, source says Utley "could get dealt today." Would likely be to #Dodgers or #Angels b/c Utley prefers southern Cal.
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) August 19, 2015
The Dodgers could be an option due to the injury to Howie Kendrick, but their focus could be more on the bullpen and starting rotation if they are at all interested in making a trade before the waiver deadline.
The Angels appear to be the more likely destination for a number of reasons: Utley can be used at both second base and the designated hitter slot; they are still in need of a left-handed power bat; their struggles as of late suggest they could use an offensive boost and Utley has been hitting well since being activated from the disabled list; and it's been said the Angels did not add enough offensive firepower before the non-waiver deadline.
If Utley is ready to be dealt today, keep an eye out for all the West Coast teams. The Giants could be a dark horse candidate due to the injury to Joe Panik. The Cubs remain the least likely destination, but they could also make a last-minute move if they don't trust Starlin Castro's bat or defense.
Stay tuned for updates on Utley as the day progresses.
