Yankees Free Agent Keep Or Dump: Chase Headley

We’ve now reached the point in this series where we will have two of the more tougher cases to decide. Let’s tackle the hitter first.

Chase Headley was certainly a helpful acquisition down the stretch, even if the the Yankees didn’t make the playoffs. Brian Cashman talked about how the velocity off his bat was beginning to improve and his final numbers with the Yankees were pretty good.

Headley finished with a .262/.371/.398 line with six homers and 17 RBI in 58 games as a Bronx Bomber. Now he’s ready to test the free agent market.

The 500 lb gorilla in the room that is Alex Rodriguez is set to return. The thing is, he can’t play third base everyday, nor should he be expected to when he’s pushing 40 and hasn’t played in a game in over a year.

Eric Jagielo isn’t walking through that door anytime soon. He won’t be for a few seasons. Even if he does, we don’t even know what he’s going to be. Is he Greg Nettles or Drew Henson? We just don’t know.

There is a derth of third baseman available in the open market. It comes down to who do you like more between Headley and Pablo Sandoval. It also will come down to cost.

Is Headley better than Sandoval? No. I think Sandoval is the better player. However, there are questions with both players.

Headley has an extensive injury history and has really only had one really good season in his career. Sandoval has some weight issues.

Even though Sandoval is the better player, I would take Headley. He seemed to be pretty comfortable in NY (not that Sandoval wouldn’t be) and if they re-sign Headley, it wouldn’t cost as much as Sandoval would.

Final verdict: Keep