Dodgers in ‘Serious Talks’ to Re-Sign Chase Utley

Chase Utley and his veteran presence could be coming back to Los Angeles in 2018.

According to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, the Dodgers are looking to bring back the second baseman:

sources: dodgers are in serious talks with chase utley back. they love his abject professionalism. interesting hall of fame case.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 13, 2018

Utley was originally acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies in August of 2015 and has re-signed with the team in 2016 and 2017. The 39-year-old played in 127 games last season, starting 68 games at second base and 10 at first base. He hit .236/.324/.405 with 20 doubles and eight home runs and then went hitless in 15 postseason at-bats.

Like Heyman said, the Dodgers like him for more than what he does on the field. Utley has helped mentor the younger players, including a strong relationship with Corey Seager. It doesn’t appear much playing time would be in the cards for Utley, barring injury, especially if Logan Forsythe continues his play from the postseason.

It hasn’t felt like Utley was a free agent this postseason considering he’s been seen working out at Dodger Stadium and not much else has been reported with any other teams. The only question is if he’s given a major-league deal or a minor-league deal with invite to spring training.

Update:

While not officially official, Chase Utley will indeed be returning to the Dodgers. Multiple reports of Utley’s locker having his gear came from Camelback Ranch this morning.

sources: dodgers are indeed bringing back chase utley. great for clubhouse, team

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 13, 2018

Chase Utley is not officially a Dodger, but there are pairs of No. 26 cleats in his locker at Camelback Ranch.

— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) February 13, 2018

Matt Kemp has a locker in #Dodgers clubhouse at Camelback Ranch. So does Chase Utley. Only one has a nameplate though

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 13, 2018

Another update:

sources: chase utley has agreed to a two-year deal with the dodgers

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 13, 2018

So it appears Utley is getting a two-year deal but that doesn’t necessarily mean that Utley will be with the team for two years. Based on the front office and previous ways of using the system to its advantage, it would seem like the Dodgers made it a two-year deal in order to reduce his average annual value (AAV) for luxury tax purposes.