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MLB Free Agency 2017: Top 18 players left on the market

By Joshua Sadlock

Oct 14, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion hits a single against the Cleveland Indians in the third inning in game one of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 14, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion hits a single against the Cleveland Indians in the third inning in game one of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Chase Utley (26) hits a single during the seventh inning against the Washington Nationals in game three of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Chase Utley (26) hits a single during the seventh inning against the Washington Nationals in game three of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

14. Chase Utley, 2B

After appearing completely done as a contributing ballplayer in 2015, Chase Utley rebounded well in 2016, and should have at least one more year left in him before retirement. He will enter his age-38 seasons coming off a .252/.319/.396 with 14 home runs and 52 RBIs in 138 games. Even as he gets up in age, Utley was still able to play 134 games in the field, and his defense was near replacement level.

The Los Angeles Angels would have been a logical fit for Utley before they traded for Danny Espinosa. With the Halos out of the market for a starting second baseman, Utley’s options may be limited, especially if he wants to start. The Dodgers could also be an option if they do not end up trading for Brian Dozier.

Utley did enough for himself last year to guarantee a job somewhere for one more year at minimum. His cost should be fairly low, and most contenders around the league will be able to make space for him on their bench if he is willing to accept a reduced role. Would the California native be willing to play for an American League team like the Texas Rangers or Seattle Mariners if an offer does not materialize with the Dodgers? With money not seeming to mean all that much to the Dodgers, Utley might be able to finish his potentially Hall of Fame only a few miles away from where he grew up.

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