MLB Trade Rumors 2014: Could Chase Headley Go to New York Yankees?
The New York Yankees are reportedly set to make some big moves on the trading front in the coming weeks, and one of these deals could be a trade to get power hitter Chase Headley of the San Diego Padres.
The Yankees, despite spending roughly $250 million in free agency spending this offseason, are expected to make significant trades before the trade deadline, as they try to have a lineup formidable enough to make a run at the World Series championship.
According to Sports World Report, the Yankees might be leaning towards searching for a reliable backup for All-Star first baseman Mark Teixeira, who was put on the 15-day disabled list after injuring his hamstring in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays last week.
Teixeira has endured serious injuries for the past two seasons, and even missed a majority of the 2013 season because of a wrist injury. And with another setback, the Yankees might look for an option to fortify their lineup, with or without Tex.
Baseball pundits believe the Yankees will pull off a big trade at some point in the season to address holes in their roster. One possible trade scenario being closely watched is a trade for Headley, who is playing in his final year of his contract with the San Diego Padres.
Larry Seely of Digital Journal predicted a trade between the Yankees and Padres could happen soon because of San Diego's inability to offer an enticing contract extension to Headley. On the other hand, the Yankees have all the resources to offer a lucrative deal and send solid assets to the Padres in return.
"Chase Headley and the San Diego Padres will likely soon part ways as the power hitting third baseman is set to become a free agent after the 2014 MLB season and money issues with the team will make it tough to resign their star player," Seely stated in his report.
The 29-year-old Headley is a career .268 hitter with 80 homers and 369 RBIs in his seven-year tenure with the Padres. However, he's having a rough time so far this season, batting a meager .130 with only three hits in 23 at-bat appearances.