Dodgers' Friedman doesn't rule out Utley reunion after Forsythe deal

This much we know: Logan Forsythe is going to replace Chase Utley as the Los Angeles Dodgers' starting second baseman in 2017. But Monday's trade that brought Forsythe to Los Angeles for pitching prospect Jose De Leon might may not have ended Utley's career in Dodger blue after all.

Club president Andrew Friedman spoke with reporters after the swap with Tampa Bay was announced, and he left the door open a crack to a reunion with Utley, who's still a free agent less than a month away from spring training.

"You never say never with a guy like Chase because of the type of guy he is and the impact he has," Friedman said when asked about possibly re-signing the veteran, according to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register.

Related: Dodgers acquire Forsythe from Rays for De Leon

Utley spent the last year and two months with the Dodgers after being acquired from Philadelphia in August 2015. Though he performed reasonably well in a Dodger uniform and helped them to consecutive division titles, the 38-year-old was outperformed by Forsythe for much of last year. The disparity between the two was most evident in the leadoff spot, where Forsythe posted a .335 on-base percentage in 125 starts as the Rays' No. 1 hitter; in the same position for the Dodgers, Utley's OBP was .319, and it plumetted to .293 after July 1.

Forsythe was also more attractive to the Dodgers because he hits from the right side - a trait that will shore up a major weakness from last year's club, who struggled mightily against southpaws in 2016. Friedman even acknowledged that his team's left-handed heavy lineup from a year ago played into how they've approached Utley, as he said they would have brought him back "months ago" if not for that issue.

If Utley were to return to Los Angeles it would be in a bench role. The Dodgers could use his left-handed bat off the bench, where they're laden with righties, but it's unknown if the veteran would choose that role over a starting job elsewhere. It's also unclear if the Dodgers have even had discussions with Utley about a return in any role.

For his career, Utley - a four-time Silver Slugger winner with the Phillies - owns an .833 OPS and 250 home runs.