Are Philadelphia Phillies bluffing about Chase Utley situation?
By Tim Haberin
The past several days have been filled with rumors and speculation concerning the trade fate of Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley. It appeared a matter of when, not if, the longtime Philly icon would be moved to a contender to play out the last month and a half of his present contract.
But Phillies General Manager Ruben Amaro, Jr., unexpectedly pumped the brakes on the situation this morning by telling 94WIP Radio in Philadelphia that Utley was likely to remain with the team through the end of the season.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
Philadelphia sports personality Howard Eskin speculates that Utley is unwilling to waive his 10/5 no-trade rights to allow a deal. That would signify a major reversal on earlier reports, most of which indicated Utley was ready to move on after 13 years in a Phils uniform.
So what’s going on? Was all the buzz about Utley wanting to go to a contender near his California home simply incorrect? Or did the 36-year-old infielder have a change of heart?
It’s also certainly not out of the question that Amaro could be sending mixed signals in an attempt to secure a better return for the former star. He seemingly did not lack for interest, with the Giants, Angels, Cubs and others all circling. If he wasn’t happy with what was being offered, this could be a way of trying to get one of the suitors to up the ante.
Utley isn’t Cole Hamels, however, and is not going to bring back a package bursting with top-rated prospects. He could still possibly net the Phillies a minor leaguer or two with upside, though, which would be a whole lot better than letting him go for nothing at the end of the year. If Amaro is indeed holding out for a better deal, he may want to temper his expectations.
Utley has been swinging a very hot bat since being activated from the DL almost two weeks ago, going 13-for-26 with a home run and five RBI in seven games. Contending teams in need of a middle infielder are likely intrigued by the idea of a healthy, motivated Utley making some noise down the stretch for the chance to return to the postseason.
Nevertheless, the veteran supposedly wanted a guarantee of regular playing time and it’s possible even the most interested club could have balked at making such a commitment. He looks rejuvenated right now, but how long will this torrid stretch last? Other GMs will remember that Utley was hitting a paltry .179 through 65 games before going down with his ankle injury in late June.
And there isn’t exactly an assurance that he will get everyday at-bats with his current team either. It makes sense for the Phillies to part with Utley in a pragmatic sense, in spite of how much he has meant to the franchise. They are much better served by continuing to give playing time to younger infielders like Cesar Hernandez and Freddy Galvis who have a chance to be important parts of the organization’s future plans.
Either scenario, Utley’s reluctance or the Phillies’ front office strategy, is feasible, and despite today’s claims it still feels like this story isn’t over. This potential deal has too much momentum and factors in its favor to just skid to a sudden halt.
But if the explanation is indeed as simple as Utley electing to stay and finish out the season in the only city he has ever known in his professional baseball career, it’s hard to say he hasn’t earned that right.