Despite trade rumors to the contrary, Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley may be staying put after all.
Two general managers interested in trading for Utley told CBS Sports that the Phillies let them know he is not available.
CSN Philadelphia first reported that the team is looking to sign Utley to a contract extension and talks have already begun. The Phillies consider Utley their “franchise player” and are reportedly not interested in moving him.
However, they are looking to trade away other players, including starting pitcher Cliff Lee.
Utley may get a deal similar to Carlos Beltran’s two-year, $26 million deal with the St. Louis Cardinals. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro recently said he wants to make Utley a “Phillie for life,” which could mean a three-year deal may be considered.
Utley has battled knee problems in recent years. This year, he is batting .274 with 13 home runs, 36 RBI and an .835 OPS.