Dodgers: Best trades of the Andrew Friedman era

Dodgers acquire Chase Utley for minor leaguers John Richy and Darnell Sweeney

Acquired after the non-waiver trade deadline in 2015, Andrew Friedman added soon-to-become fan favorite, Chase Utley, to the roster in exchange for two minor leaguers, John Richy and Darnell Sweeney. The Phillies also received $2 million in cash from the deal.

Utley had been struggling through injuries, his performance at the plate suffering, as he was batting .217/.284/.333 in Philadelphia before the trade. Upon arriving to the Dodgers, Utley provided a much-needed jumpstart to the lineup, filling a hole at second base for 25 games at the end the 2015 season. His aggressive style of play becoming contagious to his teammates.

Utley was initially suspended during the postseason of that year after sliding into New York Mets shortstop, Ruben Tejada, and fracturing his leg in trying to break up a double play. Utley appealed the suspension to remain active during the Dodgers five-game series loss to the Mets, and later won his appeal.

The Dodgers brought Utley back for the 2016 season, and only months removed from it seeming like his career could be coming to an end in Philadelphia, he became a mainstay in the Los Angeles lineup. Over 565 plate appearances in 2016, he improved his batting average to .252 and hit 14 home runs, while playing a solid second base. He followed up his 2016 campaign with another respectable season in 2017.

Neither of the prospects sent to the Phillies have proven to be major league players. Meanwhile, Utley became a key piece for the Dodgers continued dominance of the National League West.