Amid their ongoing pursuit of re-signing Zack Greinke, the Los Angeles Dodgers continue to be linked to free agent Chase Utley.
Utley waived his full no-trade clause in August to accept being dealt by the Philadelphia Phillies, whom he’d previously spent his entire career with.
Over 34 games in Los Angeles, Utley hit .202/.291/.363 while playing second base and receiving some time at third.
Along with Utley, the Dodgers have been linked to utility man Ben Zobrist.
However, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Dodgers are more focused on Utley:
#Dodgers appear more focused on Utley than Zobrist. Utley far less expensive, can play 2B, 3B. Club also has Hernandez, Peraza at 2B.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 4, 2015
In November the Dodgers declined Utley’s $11 million option for the 2016 season. His $2 million buyout was paid by the Phillies per terms of the August trade.
Utley, who will turn 37 on Dec. 17, faces a two-game suspension for a hard slide into second base during Game 2 of the National League Division Series that broke New York Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada’s leg.
Zobrist hit .284/.364/.453 with a .354 wOBA, 124 wRC+, seven home runs, 16 doubles and 23 RBIs over 59 games with the Kansas City Royals.
Prior to getting traded, he hit .268/.354/.447 with a .345 wOBA, 122 wRC+, six home runs, 20 doubles and 33 RBIs over 67 games as a member of the Oakland Athletics.
Zobrist turns 35 years old in May. He played second and third base, and left and right field last season.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman reiterated on Tuesday the club is comfortable with Kiké Hernandez and Jose Peraza as options at second base.
Hernandez played 20 games (15 starts) at second base last season. Peraza made six starts at the middle infield position.
