Chase Utley says he plans to play in 2016
Joel Sherman of the New York Post writes that Chase Utley wants to return in 2016. Utley’s agent Joel Wolfe told the New York Post, “One hundred percent he is playing next year.” Utley would be playing in his 14th major league season next year.
The Dodgers currently hold a $15-million option on Utley. Most anticipate Los Angeles will decline the option making Utley a free agent. Howie Kendrick is the Dodgers every day second baseman, but he suffered a hamstring injury in August. Utley was acquired to give the Dodgers some more flexibility in the middle infield while they waited for Kendrick to get healthy. In that deal the Phillies received minor leaguers John Richy and Darnell Sweeney. In 34 games with the Dodgers, Utley struggled to a .202/.291/.363 line.
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While Utley didn’t play much in the NLDS he was a part of the most controversial play of the series. In game two against the Mets Utley broke up a double play by sliding into Ruben Tejada. Utley was called safe on the play and went on to score the go ahead run for the Dodgers. Tejada suffered a broken leg on the play.
Utley is a six time all-star who was a fixture in the middle infield for some incredibly successful Phillies teams. He is a career .281/.365/.479 hitter. During his tenure he was arguably the best position player on a team that went to the playoffs in five straight seasons. He did win a World Series title in 2008 when the Phillies beat Tampa Bay four games to one.
If Chase Utley is willing to accept a reduced role, then it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him on a major league roster next season.