Phillies Legend Chase Utley Breaks Silence On Don Mattingly Replacement Report

The Philadelphia Phillies face another pivotal offseason after falling short of their postseason goals once again, leaving the organization with questions about what must change before it can really contend for a World Series.

While the roster figures to receive plenty of attention, the team’s direction in the dugout was another major storyline following its disappointing campaign.

Philadelphia ultimately decided against making another managerial change, instead committing to Don Mattingly after he took over for Rob Thomson during the season. The two-year agreement keeps Mattingly in place through 2028, giving the Phillies some continuity as they evaluate how to get more out of a talented roster.

But Mattingly’s return came after the Phillies explored other possibilities, including former Boston Red Sox skipper Alex Cora. And, according to a recent report, the team also considered legendary figure from the franchise’s recent history.

Philadelphia Phillies Reportedly Sought Chase Utley As Don Mattingly Manager Replacement

Chase Utley, one of the defining players of Philadelphia’s 2008 World Series championship , was among the former players the organization contacted while considering its managerial options, according to The Athletic’s Jayson Stark.

“Before the Philadelphia Phillies finalized their decision to rehire Don Mattingly as their manager, they reached out to Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez, two high-profile names from their recent past, to gauge their interest in the job,” Stark wrote. “Utley, who finished his playing career with the Dodgers after 13 seasons with the Phillies, is a special assistant to the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, Andrew Friedman.”

While Ibanez has been a candidate for several managerial openings in the recent past, the news that the Phillies inquired about Utley was a bit more surprising. And on Friday, the former star second baseman addressed that report by explaining why he continues to refuse inquiries about returning to the dugout.

“I can say, over the past several years, I have had a number of inquiries on my interest in getting back on the field,” Utley said during an appearance on Foul Territory, when asked about the report that he was considered as a replacement for Mattingly. “And my answer has been honestly the same throughout, I’m enjoying my two young boys grow up… I have my hands full currently. At some point down the line, maybe that changes.”

Philadelphia Phillies Legend Chase Utley Opens The Door To Manager’s Role In Future

Utley’s comments leave open the possibility that his interest could change in the future, but they do not suggest he is preparing to pursue a managerial job now. For Philadelphia, that means moving forward with Mattingly rather than counting on a reunion with one of the most recognizable players from its recent past.

Utley is one of the most popular former players among Phillies fans, and he was a six-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger during his playing career, which also included a stint with his hometown Dodgers.

The Phillies must now focus on the roster improvements needed to support Mattingly’s return. Their managerial decision provides stability, but it does not resolve the questions surrounding a team that has struggled to turn its postseason ambitions into another championship.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com