 | The July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline has come and gone, but the Phillies likely aren’t done making moves quite yet. According to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com, Chase Utley cleared waivers on Tuesday, meaning the Phillies could deal the veteran second baseman prior to the August 31 waiver Trade Deadline. |
With Utley reportedly having cleared waivers, the Phillies are presented with an opportunity to continue their rebuild for the future.
A franchise cornerstone for so long, Utley has struggled all season, but has looked good since returning from a nearly six week stint on the DL, going 5-for-13 with three doubles and three RBIs in four games.
With Cesar Hernandez continuing to look good, Utley will likely see playing time at first base as well as second while the Phillies attempt to find a trade partner for him.
Among those teams that have had scouts at Phillies games since Utley's return are the Giants, Yankees and Cubs, per CSN Philly’s Jim Salisbury. Each one of those teams could be looking to pick up a veteran bat for potential playoff runs.
Other teams could also be looking for second base help, including the Dodgers, who placed Howie Kendrick on the DL on Monday.
Of course, there are a few roadblocks the Phillies will face in unloading Utley.
The second baseman is still owed roughly $5 million this season. In addition, Utley will need to approve any trade, as he has earned full veto rights on trades as a player with 10 years of service in the MLB and five with his current club.
Utley’s days as a member of the Phillies could be numbered. I for one will cry hysterically if and when the day comes where he puts on a different uniform.
By: Kyle Babcock
Follow us on Twitter: @BroadStBeat
A franchise cornerstone for so long, Utley has struggled all season, but has looked good since returning from a nearly six week stint on the DL, going 5-for-13 with three doubles and three RBIs in four games.
With Cesar Hernandez continuing to look good, Utley will likely see playing time at first base as well as second while the Phillies attempt to find a trade partner for him.
Among those teams that have had scouts at Phillies games since Utley's return are the Giants, Yankees and Cubs, per CSN Philly’s Jim Salisbury. Each one of those teams could be looking to pick up a veteran bat for potential playoff runs.
Other teams could also be looking for second base help, including the Dodgers, who placed Howie Kendrick on the DL on Monday.
Of course, there are a few roadblocks the Phillies will face in unloading Utley.
The second baseman is still owed roughly $5 million this season. In addition, Utley will need to approve any trade, as he has earned full veto rights on trades as a player with 10 years of service in the MLB and five with his current club.
Utley’s days as a member of the Phillies could be numbered. I for one will cry hysterically if and when the day comes where he puts on a different uniform.
By: Kyle Babcock
Follow us on Twitter: @BroadStBeat
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