The New York Yankees appear to be in a strange position this offseason-unwilling to spend big money. Closer David Robertson could leave via free agency after rejecting a qualifying offer, and third baseman Chase Headley may be following him out the door.
The Yankees swung an in-season trade to acquire Headley, moving utility infielder Yangervis Solarte to do so. With the Yanks Headley played well, slashing .262/.371/.398 in 58 games to go with six home runs and 17 RBI.
More importantly for the Yankees, Headley was worth a whopping 21.6 runs defensively at the hot corner, something they will badly need with a lineup that sorely lacks power, and isn't ponying up the cash to rectify the issue.
If the Yanks lose Headley, they'll likely turn Martin Prado into the regular third baseman with Alex Rodriguez playing some as well. "The Yankees like him and want him back, but they don't consider him a must-have," a source close to the team said. "If they have to go with (Martin) Prado at third, they're not afraid to do that."
That would leave second base an open competition among prospects, while shortstop is expected to be handled by the light-hitting duo of Stephen Drew and Brendan Ryan.
While that's an unappealing set of moves offensively, the Yankees don't seem to be in a rush to pay Headley $56-60 million over four years, which is what The New York Daily News is reporting is Headley's asking price.
Headley also has leverage-Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez are both off the market now, leaving Headley as the best third baseman available. There are also teams interested in his services, such as the AL East rival Toronto Blue Jays and San Francisco Giants.
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