Audio Roadshow: Do Fans Want Utley Back In 2016?
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Chase Utley, you were the man.
Utley, who is probably the most beloved athlete in Philadelphia right now, is inevitably declining. In 54 games this season, the 36-year-old second baseman is hitting just .192/.269/.308 (batting average/on-base percentage/slugging percentage), by far the lowest marks of his illustrious career.
As the 22-37 Phillies continue to plummet, fans are becoming restless, begging for change.
About 80-percent of voters on the 94WIP Morning Show's Audio Roadshow question say they do not want Utley back for the 2016 season. Problem is, a contract-clause of Utley's could keep him here.
If Utley, who has a complete no-trade clause, reaches 500 at-bats this season, his 2016 $15 million option will vest. If he does not reach that at-bat plateau, it becomes a team option worth between $5 million and $11 million (with a $2 million buyout), depending on possible DL time.
Utley is currently on pace to easily surpass the 500 at-bat plateau, which would likely keep him in Philly for the 2016 season---much to the fans' chagrin.
