Chase Utley rumors: it will be ‘a shock’ if Phillies trade Utley
By Hayden Kane
It is ultimately up to Chase Utley if Chase Utley is traded. We may never actually know if the Philadelphia Phillies would trade him or not if it was just up to them to decide.
More from MLB Trade Rumors
- Shohei Ohtani trade rumors live tracker: Every update so far
- NY Mets leave Justin Verlander in the dark at trade deadline
- This White Sox-Dodgers trade for bullpen help could lead to LA reunion
- Braves Rumors: Cubs trade, Vaughn Grissom targeted, Duvall’s conflict of interest
- MLB Trade Grades: Dodgers reunite with familiar face in Red Sox deal
Utley has full 10-5 rights, meaning he can veto any and all trades. He could earn the Phillies a true haul in a trade if they wanted to go that direction and start to rebuild. Goodness knows that this Phillies team, with a 42-53 record and a -47 run differential, are in a position to consider a full rebuild.
Of every player the team could deal he might yield the biggest return in a trade, and yet out of every player he might be the least likely to be dealt. Ken Rosenthal passes along the following information on his Facebook page:
"The Phillies may trade several veterans before the July 31 non-waiver deadline, but it would be a shock if Utley was one of them. Utley, as a player with 10 years of service, five with the same team, has the right to veto any deal. And it was only last August that he signed a two-year, $27 million extension with three vesting options because he wanted to stay put. He said it again Monday, “I haven’t ever envisioned leaving Philadelphia, honestly.”"
Utley was an All-Star this year, starting the game and launching a double off the right field wall at Target Field. He is putting together another fine season with a .293/.349/.445 line this season and his usual solid defense at second base.
If it was an option, teams would salivate at the chance to acquire him. But it appears that it just won’t be an option.