The Philadelphia Phillies are in the midst of a rebuilding period and some of their veterans are expected to be dealt to get them young value in return. Second baseman Chase Utley could be the next one out the door.
Philadelphia has been stubborn about trades this offseason involving starter Cole Hamels and closer Jonathan Papelbon, but Utley could be a different story. The second baseman's contract could be troubling for the Phillies considering he has $15 million vesting options for the 2016, 2017 and 2018 seasons, and the team is probably not going to need to pay him that much money if they're not contending for the postseason in the next few years.
The Phillies have already dealt veterans Jimmy Rollins and Marlon Byrd this offseason, and Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe believes a trade could be on the way for Utley.
"The feeling among some baseball executives is that Utley will eventually give in to a deal as the losing escalates in Philly. Utley, who has a no-trade clause, could be attracted to West Coast teams such as LA (both teams), San Francisco, or Oakland. He's still a good player who could make an impact," he writes.
His vesting options are guaranteed if he makes 500 plate appearances in each preceding season, so if he does so in 2015 he will be guaranteed the $15 million salary in 2016. He batted .270/.339/.407 with 74 runs scored, 11 home runs and 78 RBIs in 155 games (664 plate appearances) last season. As long as he stays healthy and continues to put up serviceable numbers he should achieve that milestone.
While Cafardo mentions the Oakland Athletics as a possible destination, it's hard to believe general manager Billy Beane will take a risk on Utley's deal, especially since the team has solid infield depth. The Dodgers also have Howie Kendrick at second base and should have a successor for him after his deal expires at the end of the season.
This leaves the Angels and the Giants, which are two realistic destinations for a trade. Joel Sherman of the New York Post predicted last week that Utley could be dealt to the Angels before the deadline because the second baseman is from Pasadena and attended UCLA.
However, San Francisco remains an intriguing destination because the World Series champs might need an experienced veteran bat to help them at some point in the season. The Giants' lineup is seriously lacking significant offensive firepower (aside from Buster Posey) and a healthy Utley can provide relief down the stretch. Additionally, second baseman Joe Panik was said to be open to a move to third base if they team were to acquire a second baseman in the offseason, so it's likely that option still remains on the table.
Only time will tell, but it surely looks like Philadelphia fans will be grieving the losses of yet another longtime Phillie.
