The Yankees have acquired third baseman Chase Headley from the Padres for IF Yangervis Solarte and minor league RHP Rafael De Paula. The move is the end of years of speculation on the fate of Headley, who ever since his monstrous 2012 campaign (.286/.376/.498, 31 homers, 145 wRC+) has been the subject of a constant stream of trade speculation. The Yankees were often listed as a possible destination, especially ever since third baseman Alex Rodriguez was suspended for the season.
Indeed, third base has been a rocky situation for the Bronx Bombers this year. Solarte, a career minor-leaguer to that point, ran away with the job in spring training and was a welcome surprise in April, but has struggled mightily of late. Kelly Johnson, Brendan Ryan and Zealous Wheeler have also seen time at the hot corner this season. It seems the wild ride is finally over. Headley himself has also had his share of struggles this year. He’s hit only .229/.296/.355 (7 homers, 88 wRC+), but in the month of July is hitting .323. Yankees GM Brian Cashman is likely looking to once again catch lightning in a bottle.
De Paula is a 23-year old starter at the Yankees A+ affiliate. He owns a 4.15 ERA, but his peripherals are encouraging. His FIP is a much better 3.34, and his BABIP is a high .347, which figures to come down. However his K/9 is a very pretty 10.59, as is his 0.51 HR/9. He figures to be a fixer-upper for the Padres organization, and could have a future as a back-end starter or effective reliever at the big league level.
This is the second major trade the Yankees have made of late, their previous one being an acquisition of starter Brandon McCarthy from Arizona. The Yankees are likely not done making moves, as they still have two untested rookies (Chase Whitley and Shane Greene) taking up two slots in their rotation, and lack a true ace. While that ace may not ever materialize, another reliable starter is a must if the Yankees hope to challenge for the AL East.
Jack Curry of the YES Network first reported that the trade was impending, and Jon Heyman of CBS Sports confirmed the trade and its components.
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