The New York Yankees' pursuit of free agent third baseman Chase Headley may have been helped today by some restrictions on the Giants' chase for him. According to reports, the Giants are "dead set" against handing Headley a four-year deal, possibly opening the door for the Yankees to bring him back to the Bronx.
There were rumors circulating that Headley had a four-year, $65 million deal on the table, but that story's credibility has taken a hit. Initially the Yankees were reportedly against offering him that many years, and now it appears the Giants are as well.
CBS reports that the Houston Astros were among the teams showing interest in Headley, but said that he isn't a high priority for them. The Miami Marlins are also said to have been interested, but were scared off by the $65 million rumor. Now, the Yankees are reportedly open to adding a fourth year to their offer.
Both the Yankees and Giants are logical candidates to sign Headley. San Francisco just lost All-Star third baseman Pablo Sandoval to the Boston Red Sox, while there are questions about Alex Rodriguez's ability to man the hot corner every day for the Yanks.
Splitting time with San Diego and New York last year Headley hit .243 with 13 home runs and 49 RBI. His time with the Yankees was far more impressive than his games with the Padres, though. Headley slashed .271/.371/.398 with the Yankees, and flashed his stellar glove routinely.
In fact, defense is the key to Headley's appeal. The player who hit .286 with 31 home runs and 105 RBI in 2012 appears gone, but he was worth more than 21 runs with his glove last season per Fangraphs.com. That is valuable to the Yankees in particular, who don't boast much power in their lineup and must find ways to limit opponents' runs.
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