Chase Utley returning to the Los Angeles Dodgers this season is not a surprise, but what is are the reported details surrounding his contract.
Fan Rag Sports’ Jon Heyman says Utley is getting a two-year deal with the team.
sources: chase utley has agreed to a two-year deal with the dodgers
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 13, 2018
Given how much Utley struggled last season — he batted .236 and went hitless in the postseason — it’s surprising to see the Dodgers give the 39-year-old a two-year deal. Perhaps the second year is a team option of sorts.
Though Utley has not yet joined the Dodgers in Arizona for spring training, there were several signs that his signing was imminent.
The Los Angeles Times’ Andy McCollough reported on Tuesday that fan mail and Utley’s cleats were set up in a locker for him at the team’s spring training facility.
Chase Utley is not officially a Dodger, but there are pairs of No. 26 cleats in his locker at Camelback Ranch.
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) February 13, 2018
There’s literally a stack of boxes next to Chase Utley’s locker addressed to Chase Utley.
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) February 13, 2018
Utley is viewed as a clubhouse favorite and strong leader within the team. Ace Clayton Kershaw raved about Utley.
“He might not be the player he was 10 years ago, but he’s still a very valuable asset to have,” Kershaw said Tuesday, via the LA Times. “I don’t think there’s a guy in here who wouldn’t be excited if he was around.”
