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New York Yankees: Who Should Replace Chase Headley Now?

By Sean Dyer

Jun 4, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees third baseman Chase Headley (12) sits in the dugout during an MLB game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 4, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees third baseman Chase Headley (12) sits in the dugout during an MLB game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 29, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre (29) in action during the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Rays defeat the Rangers 10-8. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
May 29, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre (29) in action during the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Rays defeat the Rangers 10-8. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Adrian Beltre, Texas Rangers

Beltre has only played 18 games thus far in 2017. He missed the start of the season due to a strained right calf. However, the Ranger third baseman is off to a good start, hitting .277 with two home runs, five doubles, and 14 RBIs.

This 2017 start comes after a strong 2016 season where Beltre hit .300 with 32 HRs and 104 RBIs.

At age 38, future injuries are definitely a concern. Beltre, however, has proved durable throughout his career, playing in at least 143 games in every season from 2012-2016.

This being his 20th season, Beltre would be a great leader in the clubhouse for this young Yankee team. Beltre has also been to the postseason the past two seasons and went to the World Series in 2011.

The Texas Rangers may be willing to trade Beltre when the deadline rolls around as they are 35-36. They are also looking up at the Houston Astros, the best team in baseball.

I think Beltre would be a nice addition to this Yankee team, both offensively and in veteran leadership. The reason he is not higher on this list is his contract.

According to Spotrac, not only would the Yankees have Beltre for the 2017 season, but they would also be on the hook for $18 million for the 2018 season. The issue here is that, despite Tommy John surgery, top prospect Gleyber Torres is expected back in 2018.

With Didi Gregorius in front of the natural shortstop, Torres may move to third base. When Torres is ready to take over in the big leagues, Yankee fans likely won’t want a 39-year-old in his way.

Beltre could move to designated hitter for New York in 2018 with Matt Holliday’s contract expiring following 2017. However, with the way the 2017 season is going for Holliday and the Yankees, it would not be surprising if both parties wish to extend their relationship beyond this season.

Because of his age, Beltre wouldn’t cost the Yankees their top prospects. If New York can use some of their deep farm system to add the veteran third baseman, they could figure out his 2018 position later. Hopefully after making a deep 2017 playoff run.

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