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Report: Utley returning to Dodgers on 1-year, $2M deal

Gary A. Vasquez / Reuters

Chase Utley is giving it one more go with one of the majors best teams.

After signing outfielder Franklin Gutierrez, the Los Angeles Dodgers stayed busy Friday night, reportedly agreeing to a one-year, $2-million contract with the veteran second baseman, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.

It will mark Utley's 15th year in the majors and his second full season with the Dodgers. He was acquired by Los Angeles from the Philadelphia Phillies in 2015 after spending his first 13 years in Philly.

It was reported on Thursday that Utley was deciding between four teams - all of them contenders - and would be choosing a new home soon. Turns out the grass was always greener in Los Angeles, as Utley also received interest from the Cleveland Indians.

A return to the Dodgers was up in the air after the team upgraded at second base with their acquisition of Logan Forsythe. The club did maintain interest in Utley prior to the trade, however, and it's now expected the 38-year-old will serve as Forsythe's backup.

Last season with the Dodgers, Utley remained productive, combining for .252/.319/.396 with 14 home runs and 52 RBIs. In addition to contributing two WAR, Utley was fifth on the team with 26 doubles. His leadership in the clubhouse, specifically to young star Corey Seager, was also well received last season.

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