5 New York Yankees Looking for 2016 Turnaround

4. Chase Headley

During contract negotiations last off season, general manager Brian Cashman was very high on Chase Headley’s defensive abilities. New York resigned Headley on a 4 year $52 million dollar contract to help the Yankees’ infield improve defensively.

“I never say anything’s a fluke and I don’t think it’s the norm. But on the same token, I don’t take it for granted. We’ve looked at some film and for me I think it all starts at the base with good footwork and I’ll try to focus on that in spring training. I’m not panicked about it but it’s certainly an area I was disappointed with last year.”-Chase Headley

Well, Headley committed a career-high 23 errors, smashing his previous high by 10. This was certainly disappointing as he was advertised as one of the best fielding third baseman in Major League Baseball.

He disappointed at times with his bat, but remained close to his career normal as he slashed .259/.324/.369 in 2015. Headley’s career slash line is .264/.344/.403 (according to Baseball Reference).

“No, because I saw him make a lot of good throws,” Girardi said when asked if he was concerned about Headley’s fielding woes. “As I said, I think it starts with your bottom half where you identify throwing issues, and we’ll work real hard this spring.”

With New York lacking depth at the third base position, there’s no doubt that Headley needs to bounce back in 2016. The probable reserves include second base prospect Rob Refsnyder and shortstop turned second baseman Starlin Castro who aren’t your typical third baseman.

The Yankees need Headley to be healthy, and improve mightily on the field. After all, the plan B if he continues to fall is nothing but a question mark.

Next: Number 3