August 11, 2015
The title is pretty self-explanatory, and Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal is the reporter that broke the news:
Sources: Utley cleared waivers. Can be traded to any club. Has right to veto any deal as player with 10 years service, five with same team.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 11, 2015
As Rosenthal said, Utley can now be traded anywhere before August 31st. The 36-year-old second baseman likely went unclaimed because teams didn’t want to be on the hook for the $4.5 million he is owed for the rest of the year as well as the $2 million buyout required to get out of his $15 million option next season. Now, the Phillies are allowed to eat some of that money in a potential transaction.
Contending teams are reportedly showing some interest in acquiring Utley for the stretch run. According to CSN Philly’s Jim Salisbury, the Yankees, Cubs, and Giants had scouts on hand in Arizona on Monday night to watch the man that Harry Kalas dubbed “The Man,” who recently came off the disabled list. In what might be a concerted effort to get Utley some consistent at-bats, Pete Mackanin played him at first base in Arizona.
Utley still has 10-and-5 rights, which means he has the ability to veto any trade. He has been reluctant to accept any deal in the past, but he may be willing to change his stance. That is what Utley told reporters over the weekend, anyway:
"I would be more than happy to listen to them," Utley said Saturday. "I do love Philadelphia. I've had a great time playing here, but out of respect for them, I would definitely listen to them."
Follow Rich on Twitter: @rich_hofmann
