Dodgers Rumors: Cleveland Interested in Chase Utley

Chase Utley remains a free agent. The Dodgers, to our knowledge, remain open to a reunion. But with Logan Forsythe manning second, Utley may pursue a new opportunity.

That chance could be in Cleveland, which is reportedly interested in the veteran.

Per @JonHeyman, the #Indians are intrigued by free agent 2B Chase Utley: https://t.co/3elPS9890H

— The Draft Network Podcasts (@TDNPodcasts) February 8, 2017

Sources: #Indians indeed interested in Utley, as @JonHeyman said. Issue would be finding him ABs. Other teams in mix.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 8, 2017

From Jon Heyman’s above piece:

Utley is a beloved veteran presence who’s widely admired for his intensity and preparation, and the Indians are among teams looking at him to see if something could work. This is far from a logical fit, as the Indians have a star left-handed-hitting second baseman in Jason Kipnis, but the Indians ?could still consider Utley for a possible utility role, if he’s interested.

Rosenthal noted others are in the mix, and two previously mentioned spots were Atlanta and Tampa Bay. Rosenthal recently said the Rays were trying to compete, but even so, neither they nor the Braves appear to be a serious competitor. From Utley’s standpoint, signing with either southern team makes little sense.

Utley, an NL lifer to this point, could benefit from the designated hitter in the AL to keep his legs fresh. The Indians are the defending AL champs and enter the year one of the favorites. That relationship could be productive.