Re-signing Chase Headly Is A No-brainer for the New York Yankees
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
As the Hot Stove portion of the baseball calendar begins to warm, a priority for the New York Yankees should be the re-signing of free agent third baseman Chase Headley.
Of course, the Yankees have numerous needs. Pitching is usually at the top of the list, as it is for every team. So let’s start with position players.
Yeah, the Yankees have dabbled a bit this offseason, trading catcher Francisco Cervelli to the Pittsburgh Pirates for 27-year-old, left-handed relief pitcher Justin Wilson. It’s a good start, but the Yankees like to collect free agents. Retaining Headley would be a tremendous start in this year’s free-agent race.
The Yankees acquired the switch-hitting Headley last July from the San Diego Padres for a couple of prospects. He paid dividends immediately, knocking in the game-winning run in his first appearance as a member of the Yankees, somewhat of an indication that he can handle the pressures of playing in New York.
Heading into his ninth Major League season, the switch-hitting Headley, is a .265 career hitter, a respectable average for a corner infielder. He won the Silver Slugger Award in 2012. Last season, he batted .243 and hit 13 home runs.
With Alex Rodriguez – the Yankees third baseman before missing 2014 while serving a suspension — vacating the position, Headley would be a solid, durable replacement. He would also be bargain.
Last year, Headley signed a one-year contract with San Diego worth $10.25 million. Of course, the Yankees will have to pay a little more for Headley, a 2012 Gold Glove winner, but they won’t have to open their wallet too much. Role players usually don’t command bank-busting salaries.
Headley will also probably want a few years added to his contract. He turns 31-years old in May. If he stays healthy, Headley could man third base for at least the next three years.
The Yankees and Headley, reportedly, have spoken briefly. When the late George Steinbrenner controlled the team, he always coveted other team’s free agents. His sons, Hank and Hal, haven’t displayed that kind of exuberance so far.
Even if the Yankees really wanted revert to their lavish spending of old, they would be out of luck. Pablo Sandoval, the biggest free agent third baseman on the market, has narrowed his landing spots to the San Francisco Giants and Boston Red Sox.
But we are talking about the Steinbrenners. Anything can happen, but hopefully, they will keep their heads and re-sign Headley.
Top 5 San Diego Padres Pitching Prospects For 2015
The San Diego Padres have a solid group of pitchers in the farm system who could stabilize the rotation for years to come. Read More
Pittsburgh Pirates Need To Trade Stolmy Pimental
The Pittsburgh Pirates have a logjam in their bullpen, and the odd man out seems to be Stolmy Pimental. Read More
Giants Should Trade For Kirk Nieuwenhuis
After missing out on Ben Zobrist, the San Francisco Giants should turn their attention to Kirk Nieuwenhuis to fill their left field void. Read More
Top 5 Blue Jays' Pitching Prospects In 2015
The Toronto Blue Jays gave a couple of their pitching prospects a chance in the majors at the end of 2014, so they expect to play a role in the 2015 season, but there is not much more in the pipeline. Read More
5 Players the Oakland A's Should Still Trade
The Oakland Athletics have been active this offseason, but here are five players they should still be looking to trade. Read More
Toronto Blue Jays Miss Out On Ben Zobrist
The Toronto Blue Jays' infield continues to pose a hole at 2B after missing out on trade for Ben Zobrist. Read More
Colorado Rockies: 5 Players That Could Be Traded
The Colorado Rockies need to re-tool to have any hope of becoming a playoff contender. On that note, here are five players they should still be looking to trade. Read More
Zobrist, Escobar Trade Makes A's Contenders
The Oakland Athletics continue to make a splash in the offseason by trading for Ben Zobrist and Yunel Escobar from the Tampa Bay Rays. Read More
5 Players The Braves Should Trade For
The Atlanta Braves have a lot more moves to make before the start of the season. Take a look at these players the Braves should consider trading for. Read More
Tigers Need A Break Out Season From Shane Greene
With multiple uncertainties in the starting rotation, it would be huge if the Detroit Tigers could get a breakout season out of newcomer Shane Greene. Read More
Tampa Bay Rays: 5 Players They Could Still Trade
With the Tampa Bay Rays heading into a transitional season, here are five players they should still look to trade. Read More
Assessing the SF Giants' 2015 25-Man Roster
The San Francisco Giants aren't as dangerous on paper as they were a season ago. Read More