With Pablo Sandoval now guaranteed to be a member of the Red Sox for multiple seasons, re-signing Chase Headley may become the Yankees' main concern, NJ.com's Brendan Kuty argues.
According to Kuty, Sandoval coming off the table makes Headley this offseason's most desirable third baseman. He is coming off a 77-game stretch with the Yankees in which he batted a solid .262, and is likely not going to ask for the money Sandoval did.
However, that doesn't necessarily mean inking Headley will be easy for the Yankees, as another coastal contender could soon begin to compete for his services.
From Kuty's report:
"It’s likely Headley will want a deal that guarantees him at least three or four years, considering Sandoval’s reported $90-million haul will come over a five-year span. And there are several teams who could give Headley what he wants.
The Yankees have been in contact with Headley’s agent, Casey Close, general manager Brian Cashman has said. The Giants, Sandoval’s old team, could also emerge as serious contenders, considering their sudden need at third base and that Headley has spent almost his whole career in California."
That the Giants didn't push harder for Sandoval after he helped them take home three championships in five years is definitely strange, but nonetheless, that doesn't mean they'll just go away.
They are still looking to improve their team, while the Yankees seem to just be trying to keep theirs together. That being said, it's very important that the Yankees find a way to keep Headley in their uniform, as no other reliable options appear to be available at the position.
Headley, 30, is a career .265 hitter, and was well known for his defensive talent during his recent time in pinstripes.
