With Spring Training on the horizon, MLB teams are beginning to round out their rosters. One of those teams is the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have made yet another signing.
According to Andy McCollough, the Dodgers have resigned second baseman Chase Utley.
Chase Utley is coming back to the Dodgers on a one-year deal, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.
— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) February 11, 2017
Utley will stay in Los Angeles on a one-year deal.
Last year, Utley was a pleasant surprise for the Dodgers. By hitting .252, to go along with 14 home runs, and 52 runs batted in, the 38 year old Utley was a solid presence in the Dodgers order. By resigning him, the Dodgers maintain a valuable player in both the lineup and the clubhouse. They’re also resigning yet another player of their own.
So far this off-season, the Dodgers have been very active on the free agent market, mostly with players of their own. They resigned southpaw Rich Hill on a three year/ 48 million dollar deal. Last year, Hill was a presence on the mound when healthy for the Dodgers, and they felt that resigning him would be beneficial for the short term. They also found resigning Justin Turner to be a priority.
Last year, Turner came into his own and established himself as one of the the best third basemen in all of baseball. Hitting .272, to along with 27 home runs and 90 runs batted in, Turner became a cornerstone for the Dodgers future. He resigned on a four year/ 64 million dollar deal. In addition to Utley, Hill, and Turner, the Dodgers also resigned closer Kenley Jansen.
Last year, Jansen recorded 47 out of 53 save opportunities and posted an ERA under two. He also proved to be an asset in the postseason, pitching as a closer and a long reliever interchangeably. After another stellar year out of the pen, the Dodgers went into the off-season looking to lock up their closer long term. They did just that by agreeing to a five year/ 80 million dollar deal with Jansen.
Considering the amount of money they’ve dished out this off-season, resigning the veteran Utley was a shrewd move for the Dodgers.
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