Chase Utley Reportedly Re-Signs with Dodgers

Fourteen-year MLB veteran Chase Utley has reportedly reached a one-year deal to remain with the Los Angeles Dodgers, per Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times.

There's no disputing that Utley, 38, is down to his last licks in the majors, but he still managed to be a semiproductive second baseman for the Dodgers last season. 

After moving Howie Kendrick to the outfield, the Dodgers made Utley their full-time second baseman in 2016. He saw a noticeable improvement in his play compared to a 2015 season in which he batted a career-worst .212 with eight home runs and 39 RBI. 

Utley	Stats	Kipnis
138	Games	156
.252	Batting Average	.275
129	Hits	168
14	Home Runs	23
52	RBI	82
.319	On-Base Percentage	.343
.396	Slugging Percentage	.469

That year brought an end to his 12-plus seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies, as he was dealt at the trade deadline to Los Angeles. 

From 2005 to 2009, he was one of the best second basemen in baseball, averaging a .301 mark with 29 home runs and 101 RBI per season. 

A straightforward approach that yielded little emotion and a businesslike mantra on the field endeared Utley to Philadelphia fans and has made him a valuable veteran presence who has winning experience. He helped lead the Phillies to their second-ever World Series title in 2008 over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com.