Los Angeles Dodgers: Three players that could take Chase Utley’s job
By Jason Reed
Jake Peter
If I really like Max Muncy then I love Jake Peter. Peter has the best chance at taking Chase Utley’s job and will be the guy for both Muncy and Locastro to beat out if they want to see playing time at second base.
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The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Peter in a three-team trade with the Kansas City Royals and Chicago White Sox that also netted LA left-handed reliever Scott Alexander. When the Dodgers acquired Peter I was very excited as his left-handed bat looked like the perfect bat to replace the then free agent Chase Utley and perhaps even be an upgrade.
Peter does not yet have any MLB experience but the 24-year-old has been solid in the minor leagues. Last season in AA and AAA, Peter hit .279 with 13 home runs and 49 RBIs.
Peter hit .268 against right-handers and .313 against left-handers. Although it may be a backward split, his performance against right-handers will only get better as time goes on.
Thus, when I saw the Peter was a non-roster invitee for Spring Training I was kind of shocked. I definitely assumed that the Dodgers would add him to the 40-man roster and give him a shot to play for the big league team this spring. Instead, Peter is most likely going to head to AAA Oklahoma City.
Another day, another Jake Peter homer. #DodgersST pic.twitter.com/23r0XEgORn
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 3, 2018
However, I definitely think we will see Peter in Chavez Ravine at some point this season. Whether it is due to an injury or a solid performance in AAA, Peter will eventually get some MLB looks this season. When he does, I genuinely think he is going to shock a lot of people and put some serious pressure on Chase Utley and his job.
Next: 20 bold predictions for the 2018 Dodgers
I am selling high on you, Jake Peter. As much as I love Chase Utley, please do not prove my high evaluation of you wrong.