Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley has had a second coming so far this season. Sure, he had a solid 2013 campaign after dismal years in 2011 and 2012, but what he has done so far this year is nothing short of remarkable.
Utley is hitting an astonishing .489 this season, hitting safely in 22 of 45 at-bats. He has also homered three times. The 35-year-old second baseman has been arguably the best story in baseball. Just when everyone seemed sure he was past his prime, he is back at it as a (very) early candidate to be the starting second baseman for the National League in the All Star Game.
While his numbers last year suggest that Utley could be returning to his own form, proceed with caution. He has not had a fully healthy season since 2009, so his health continues to be a major issue. Also, his extremely high batting average will have to level out eventually (unless he plans on breaking records), and in order for that to happen he will have to go into a fairly lengthy slump. He's only human.
Utley's amazing start could help you yield quite the return, one which could include another top-tier second baseman (like Dustin Pedroia, let's say) and even more assets to your team. If you're having trouble convincing your opponent, just reference Utley's .284 batting average and eighteen home runs from last season.
Utley can still be a productive player for your team; do not feel pressured to trade him away in the least. However, his injury concerns coupled with a likely outstanding yield in a trade could end up helping your team be safer in terms of the injury department as well as just better overall.
Remember, at this point, Utley's .489 batting average so far this season is completely in the past. He may be on a tear, but anything can happen in the future.
If the price is right, you should be able to catch someone napping if you own Utley and force them to pay through his/her nose in order to get him for his/her team. While losing Utley may sting a little at first, you will benefit from the move in the long run.