New York Yankees Editorial: Chase Headley’s Defense Failing Yankees

This past offseason, the New York Yankees gave third baseman Chase Headley a four-year, $52 million contract primarily due to his defense.  Headley, who was never committed more than 13 errors in a season, already has 11 errors only 51 games into his first full season as a Yankee.  Headley, a 2012 Gold Glove winner with the San Diego Padres, summed up his defensive woes perfectly, calling them “uncharacteristic”:

"It’s uncharacteristic.  I don’t really have any other explanation other than, it’s never happened to me before and I know I’ll get through it.  It’s frustrating.  It’s not for a lack of effort or attention to detail."

Not only does Headley lead the Yankees in errors, his 11 errors are also tied for the third most in the MLB.  Headley’s .923 fielding percentage ranks second lowest among qualified non-pitchers.

His 11th error was a crucial one, coming in Friday night’s 6-2 loss to the Oakland Athletics.  With two men on base, Headley saw a ball through his legs, and instead of a double play, the inning was extended, and the Athletics plated four runs, jumping out to an early 4-0 lead.

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

Yankees manager Joe Girardi called the miscue significant, but admitted he has no explanation for his starting third baseman’s defensive failures:

"It possibly changes the way you use the bullpen, it changes a lot of different things.  The extra out hurt us.  It’s hard to say [what is causing the struggles].  We saw him play great defense for us last year and he’s struggled some."

While the Yankees were concerned with Headley’s back and his bat before resigning him, he has remained healthy, and his bat hasn’t been half-bad.  After Spring Training which saw him play 115 perfect innings in the field, Headley’s defensive troubles are perplexing:

"I probably wish I would have.  It’s one of those things, but it’s just baseball.  That’s not an excuse.  You’ve got to correct the problems, but sometimes things don’t go that way."

It’s hard to envision the pace Headley is committing errors at continuing throughout the season, but the Yankees have to hope that his issues will work themselves out sooner rather than later.

Next: Yankees Editorials: More milestones coming soon for Alex Rodriguez

More from Yanks Go Yard

• Should Yankees toss short-term extension at Harrison Bader before 2023?
• Yankees chose worst possible player to ring in New Year on 2023 team calendar
• Yankees State of the Farm System Review: Josh Breaux
• Yankees make upside play, sign former Rangers top prospect outfielder
• MLB insider claims favorite emerging in Bryan Reynolds rumors (not Yankees)