Chase Utley has everyone's attention heading into the waiver deadline for the MLB. The Philadelphia Phillies infielder is back from a rehab assignment and ready to play, but that likely will not be in the City of Brotherly Love. After being major sellers at the trade deadline, the Phillies are doing the same at the waiver deadline with Utley and while several teams are growing interested, the offers are not what the Phillies are likely looking for.
Utley has been linked with at least seven teams heading into the end of August deadline. According to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, Utley wants to head to the West Cost as the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Angels emerge as the frontrunners. The New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs have also been listed as potential destinations, but they are unwilling to give up certain prospects to make a trade.
With Utley potentially headed out west, that leaves other players emerging as East Coast options. Jose Reyes is officially on the market following clearing waivers with the Colorado Rockies. The short stop could potentially be headed back to the Big Apple depending on where Utley goes. According to NJ.com, the Yankees could make a move for Reyes to replace Stephen Drew. The Yankees are unwilling to give up top prospects for a trade which could end discussions quickly just like at the trade deadline. New York's only option would be to bring back Rob Refsnyder, something they might not be sold on just yet.
The Chicago Cubs is another team hunting at the deadline. They are currently searching for options to help the struggling Starlin Castro who has made the move from short stop to second base. The Cubs brought up Addison Russell to fill the short stop gap for the time being while they determine another move. Could Reyes or even Martin Prado be an option? According to the Chicago Tribune, a deal for Utley is unlikely simply because the Cubs do not have the right offer. A deal for Reyes seems unlikely simply based on need. Prado could be a steal for the Cubs as the utility man could help in multiple areas.
Utley will be moved by the deadline. Heyman believes he is destined for the West Coast in order to be closer to family. With 10-and-5 veto rights over trade deals, the Giants and Angels have the best chance of getting the nod of approval from the infielder. Utley has spent his entire career in Philly and unless loyalty plays a factor he will be on the move quickly.
