Breaking News: Yankees Sign Chase Headley For Four Years

The Yankees have signed Chase Headley to a four year contract, reports Ken Rosenthal. Jon Heyman adds that the deal is $52 million dollars. There were reports stating that the third baseman would sign during the Winter Meetings, but he took a few extra days.

The Yankees were the front runners for Headley since the season ended, though other suitors like the Marlins and Giants poked their heads in to check on the free agent. With the signing, the Giants have now lost their everyday third baseman in Pablo Sandoval, missed out on signing Yasmani Tomas, and now missed their shot at Headley.

The Yankees had plans to play Martin Prado at third if Headley didn’t come back. Now Prado is free to really play anywhere on the diamond, most notably second base, The Yankees have both Rob Refsnyder and Jose Pirela pining for the 2B job. With the Headley signing, the Yankees are continuing their lack of faith in young talent.

Refsnyder was talked about in great detail last season to come up because of his strong offensive performance. However, the Yankees converted him from the outfield to play second base and his glove was not major league quality yet.

Headley enjoyed his time in the Bronx, posting a .262 average, a .371 OBP, and a .768 OPS. While few expect him to return to his 2012 form where he had career highs with 31 home runs and 115 RBI, he is a solid player in the lineup that is expected to make the team better moving forward.

The Yankees have been relatively conservative this off-season. They did not really enter the Jon Lester sweepstakes, did not offer David Robertson a contract before he left for the Chicago White Sox, and did not fight for the services of Brandon McCarthy, letting him go to the Dodgers.

They have still spent money, but have been conservative and actually have placed value in draft picks. They stated that draft pick compensation was a huge reason they went after Andrew Miller and let Robertson walk.

Regardless of the hype of minor leaguers, the Yankees are putting proven players into the lineup. Refsnyder or Pirela could make their way up to the major league level, but now do not have to do so from day one. Headley is no longer a short term loan and can now get more used to being in pinstripes.