Yankees Trade Rumors: Chase Headley the Best Answer to Yanks 3B Dilemma

Chase Headley is a perfect fit for the New York Yankees and a viable solution to their third base dilemma. With Alex Rodriguez getting older and getting injured more often, the Yanks need to solidify their infield with both a talented fielder and hitter.

Headley is both of the above.

He is on track to have a career year in his sixth year in the MLB. At only 28, Headley is now in the prime of his career, and he would greatly benefit from being inserted into an already potent Yankees lineup.

With Headley, the Yanks would get an excellent fielder, great hitter and all-around versatile player whom they could move around situationally without suffering much decline in play.

Headley isn’t worth the asking price

The Yankees are one of the premier teams in baseball, and they haven’t necessarily done that by having the best farm system in the MLB. New York is an attractive destination for veterans and young players alike. Their salary opportunities for star players also pose a strong draw for acquiring talent.

Who is it in the Yankees system who is so untouchable that it would keep the team from adding a very good third baseman and versatile outfielder when it has its sights on a World Series Championship(s)?

There are other, cheaper, alternatives

Since when do the New York Yankees care about payroll, luxury tax or anything else when it comes to winning a championship? That has never seemed to have been an issue in the past, and Brian Cashman shouldn’t start worrying about it now.

Besides, Headley isn’t eligible for arbitration until 2013-14 and free agency until 2015.

Where they are at right now in trade talks, if anywhere

The San Diego Padres have the best third baseman on the market and are not likely to give up Headley without securing some significant loot in the process.

On the other hand, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Yankees are actively looking for a third baseman, and Headley is likely on top of that list. 

While Headley may be the best 3B currently on the market, he isn’t unattainable by any means.

As of now, Buster Olney reported on Sunday that the Padres are not “far down the road in their” talks about Headley. He suggests they may wait until the winter when more teams will be involved.

This stance makes sense for the woeful Padres who are looking to cash-in on their main trade chip.

Outlook

The Yankees would greatly from benefit having Headley in their lineup as he will help to solidify a 3B, DH and OF rotation. New York likes to rotate their DHs, and the addition of Headley would facilitate that this season and next.

However, giving up the farm for Headley may not be what Cashman and his staff have in mind for the long-term plans of the organization. The Yankees should—but most likely won’t—pull the trigger on a deal to bring Headley to Yankee Stadium because they are already built for success for the immediate future.

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