Chase Headley: 4 Teams Who Should Pursue Third Baseman Again in the Winter

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Prior to the MLB trade deadline, San Diego Padres third baseman Chase Headley was a hot name on the block.

Among the teams interested in the switch hitter, according to MLBTradeRumors.com, were Oakland, New York (AL) and Baltimore.

With two arbitration-eligible years to go, Headley could possibly see himself moved in the offseason.

The team will not be involved in the trade deadline rush, and will have more time to look at who they could possibly give away in a potential deal.

Here's a look at four teams that will consider trading for Headley in the offseason.

Philadelphia Phillies

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It's unlikely the Phillies are going to bring back Placido Polanco, with the 37-year-old hitting free agency.

Therefore, the Phillies will look into acquiring a guy like Headley.

One thing we've noticed about the Phillies is that this is an aging team. Acquiring some young talent with MLB experience will be high on Philadelphia's list of priorities.

According to Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Phillies don't have many options at third base, which means the team must acquire one via free agency or a trade.

Amaro believes there is enough minor-league talent to land a quality third baseman. Two scouts who regularly cover the Phillies' system agreed. Entering the season, Baseball America ranked the Phillies' entire system 27th in the majors.

'I'm not all that anxious to move young players,' Amaro said. 'But I think with a couple of the moves we've made, we have added some talent to our system. It may allow us to do some things we maybe wouldn't have thought about doing earlier in the year. We have some catching depth now. We have some more pitching depth. We may be able to deal from a position of strength.'

A trade for Headley, which wouldn't be as expensive as one might think, might be in the cards for the Phillies.

New York Yankees

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The Yankees looked at acquiring Headley prior to the deadline, after Alex Rodriguez injured his hand, but the Padres just weren't interested at the time.

Fast forward to the end of the season, and with A-Rod getting a year older, the Yankees may look at trying to acquire Headley once again.

However, this time, the team will know that they might have to give up more than they want.

A-Rod isn't getting any younger, and with Raul Ibanez likely leaving via free agency, there will be a hole at DH for New York. That means they can put Rodriguez or Headley in that spot and get more good production.

Baltimore Orioles

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We know the Orioles have the prospects in their system to make a trade for Headley.

The only question is, will they trade any of them to acquire a player at a need position?

The Orioles are in the toughest division in baseball. In order to stay near the top of the division, this team is going to have to get rid of some of their minor league depth to help their big-league team.

They have the pieces in place at other positions, and a move to acquire Headley might be the one that puts them over the top.

Cincinnati Reds

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The Reds have shown themselves to be one of the stronger teams in the National League over the last few years.

With Scott Rolen likely retiring or leaving via free agency after this year, there will be a hole at third base for the Reds to fill.

Headley could be that guy.

The Reds and Padres have experience trading with each other. Therefore, another trade between the two teams this offseason wouldn't be uncharted waters.