Bomber Bites: How Yankees Re-Signing Chase Headley Won’t Affect Young Players

The Yankees re-signing of Chase Headley yesterday to a four-year deal made sense. Headley brings a steady glove to the position and had a 116 OPS+ in his time with the Yankees (league average is 100). It puts Martin Prado at second base for next season. But what about Jose Pirela and Rob Refsnyder and to a lesser extent Tyler Austin? They’ll get their opportunities.

More from Yankees News

• Yankees chose worst possible player to ring in New Year on 2023 team calendar
• Yankees make upside play, sign former Rangers top prospect outfielder
• Michael Kay’s Anthony Volpe story will get Yankees fans amped for Opening Day
• No, Yankees should not acquire Trevor Bauer for 2023
• Yankees’ Marwin González replaces Red Sox LF in Japan in logical next step

Why? Well first of all, we don’t know what Alex Rodriguez is. Can he even pass his physical in the spring? If he does, what will he look like?  If he can’t play, or if the Yankees buy him out let’s say, that opens a spot right there.

The Yankees have injury prone players up and down the roster. Headley’s back. Carlos Beltran‘s knees. Jacoby Ellsbury has been injured in the past. Mark Teixeira has had wrist issues on and off the past two seasons.  It’s certainly likely that any and all of those players could get hurt at one point or another.

Would you want Chris Young or Refsnyder in right if Beltran gets hurt? If Tex gets hurt, Headley moves to first, Prado to third and either Refsnyder or Pirela can slide into second base.

The Yankees actually have some prospects that are close to major league-ready. Remember, Refsnyder isn’t on the 40-man roster yet, but Pirela and Austin are. They could be the next man up, especially if they impress in Spring Training.

Headley doesn’t block the kids. If anything it makes the team deeper.