The Philadelphia Phillies sent shortstop Jimmy Rollins to the Los Angeles Dodgers last week in a move that could signify a fire sale. Is second baseman Chase Utley next on general manager Ruben Amaro's list?
Rollins had one-year and $11 million remaining on his contract entering his 16th season as a 36-year-old. As the Phillies look ahead, they're going to need to get rid of a number of their older players and get value for them in order to successfully rebuild. Amaro finally budged in trading one of his veterans, which leads many to believe more transactions are on the way.
Utley, who will turn 36 in two days, is owed $10 million in 2015 and could become a free agent after the season. The second baseman has vesting options for 2016, 2017 and 2018 during which he must make 500 plate appearances in each previous season for his $15 million salary to kick in. Being that he's nearing the end of his career, perhaps the veteran would be willing to waive his no-trade clause to join a contender.
Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer notes, "An Utley trade is possible, albeit slim. The Phillies, rival executives say, are not aiming for an "Astros-like" teardown. Utley is an iconic figure in Philadelphia; trading both him and Rollins in one winter could be too much. Utley, though, could fetch a decent prospect or two."
Here are a few teams we think might be able to convince Philadelphia to trade them their longtime second baseman:
San Francisco Giants: This was already discussed prior to this year's trade deadline when Marco Scutaro and Joe Panik went down with injuries and Dan Uggla was downright awful. Might the Giants revisit such a deal since they already lost third baseman Pablo Sandoval and are expected to lose Michael Morse? The team can simply move Panik from second to third, which Jon Heyman of CBS Sports already noted if the Giants were to acquire Korean infielder Jung-ho Kang.
Washington Nationals: Yes, we know it's within the division, but the deal can help both teams. The Phillies know they aren't even in the same league as the Nationals right now, so why not give them Utley and take some of their prospects? Washington has a number of starters and outfielders in their farm system that might appeal to Amaro, and perhaps a decorated veteran such as Utley would help the Nationals in the postseason. Do the Nats really want to spend next season switching off between Danny Espinosa and Kevin Frandsen?
Kansas City Royals: I only say this because the team is shopping Omar Infante after only one year with the team. Kansas City has a number of prospects they could offer Philadelphia, but would they want to potentially commit to Utley beyond 2015 for the price of $15 million per year? They have a young roster that could use an experienced veteran, and if Utley's fielding eventually becomes an issue, they can toss him at DH. A team such as the Royals might be willing to take the risk because Utley has been breaking down prior to the 2014 season. He played in only 115 games in 2010; 103 in 2011; 83 in 2012; and 131 in 2013. If Utley's knees continue to be an issue, the Royals could be looking at a worst-case scenario two-year, $25 million commitment to the veteran.
