Dodgers open to re-signing free agent Chase Utley
Dodgers second baseman Chase Utley warms up before the start of Game 4 of the National League Division Series against the New York Mets on Oct. 13.
Reporting from BOCA RATON, Fla. — The Dodgers are exploring the possibility of re-signing second baseman Chase Utley, General Manager Farhan Zaidi said Wednesday at baseball’s general manager meetings.
Utley, who turns 37 next month, was acquired in August from the Philadelphia Phillies. He played 34 games for the Dodgers, batting .202 with three home runs and nine runs batted in. He’s now a free agent.
“We were happy with his performance and what he brought to our clubhouse,” Zaidi said. “We’re evaluating a few different options at second base and the infield, and he’s certainly a part of that conversation.”
The Dodgers have extended a qualifying offer to Howie Kendrick, but are expecting him to reject it.
If Kendrick departs in free agency, Enrique Hernandez and Jose Peraza would be the most likely in-house candidates to step in at second base.
Utley, who started at second base while Kendrick was sidelined with a strained hamstring, became a free agent last week when the Dodgers declined his $15-million option for the upcoming season.
The Dodgers’ interest in Utley was first reported by Fox Sports.
Follow Dylan Hernandez on Twitter @dylanohernandez
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