With August waiver deadline around the corner, several players remain available for the taking in trade deals. After much speculation regarding his future, the Philadelphia Phillies have made Chase Utley one of the players up for grabs at this point in the MLB season. As the second baseman prepares to return from injury, will a team be interested in his contract?
According to Jon Morosi of FOX Sports, the Phillies have officially placed Utley on waivers as the 36-year-old returns from a stint on the disabled list. The second baseman has spent his entire 13-year career with the Phillies, but with the team's season going nowhere they are attempting to be sellers at this point in the year. After sending away Cole Hamels, Utley is next.
The issue with interest in Utley is his contract. The second baseman is owed $15 million this season with a $15 million club option after that. Anyone needing a bat for the second-half of the season could eye Utley, but would likely not want to give up a lot to get him considering he could easily just be a rental for the remainder of the year.
The New York Yankees are the main contender for Utley. According to the New York Post, the team sent scouts to Utley's rehab assignment as they continue to deal with issues regarding Stephen Drew and Brendan Ryan. Both players have been underperforming this entire season and as the Yankees' offense stalls out, they might be eyeing an upgrade. Martin Prado is also on the short list of options, but would be much more expensive considering the level of interest in the Miami Marlins' utility man.
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs could also be an option for Utley. The Dodger announced that Howie Kendrick was headed to the disabled list following a hamstring strain. For the time being, Jose Peraza will be called up from Triple-A. If Kendrick cannot get healthy, adding Utley is not a bad idea. The Cubs are also eyeing bats as players like Starlin Castro continue to struggle. Chicago opted to move Addison Russell over to short stop as Utley could come in for depth help. The Cubs eyed the second baseman at the trade deadline and could make a move now.