Cleveland Indians: 3 Reasons Why Adding Chase Utley Makes Perfect Sense

Sep 24, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Chase Utley (26) runs toward home plate to score a run in the seventh inning of the game against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Dodgers won 14-1. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Chase Utley (26) runs toward home plate to score a run in the seventh inning of the game against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Dodgers won 14-1. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 4
Next
Sep 24, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman
Sep 24, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman /

The Cleveland Indians reportedly have some interest in adding veteran Chase Utley, and the move would be a smart one for several reasons.

Reports came out Wednesday that the Cleveland Indians and Chase Utley could be a potential match in 2017. The team looking into the veteran as an option is not a sure sign that he will be pursued, but it was an interesting bit of news.

The only question on the Indians roster is the health of Michael Brantley. Aside from that, there are no real holes to fill in 2017.

But as Indians fans know, anything can happen over the course of the 162-game season. Injuries happen and slumps can be had, meaning an extra bat on the bench could be of help at certain times.

This union would only work if Utley agreed to a diminished role compared to what he is used to, but it may be hard to turn down an offer to play for a World Series contender as the 38-year-old looks for one final contract.

There are fans who don’t want Utley to come to town and take time away from any of the young starters, and that just won’t happen. Regardless, there are several benefits to bringing Utley to Cleveland as the team looks to return to the World Series. The talent is there, but so many other factors are a part of a postseason run, and Utley could be of great help.