Empire Writes Back
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 7
Next
May 15, 2017; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants left fielder Eduardo Nunez (10) steals third base against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fourth inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
May 15, 2017; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants left fielder Eduardo Nunez (10) steals third base against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fourth inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Eduardo Nunez, San Francisco Giants

Nunez may be a familiar name to Yankee fans. He started his career in New York, where he was supposed to be the successor to Derek Jeter at shortstop.

The former Yank has since become more of a utility man. Nunez has played second base, third base, shortstop, and both corner outfield spots in his career.

Yankee fans may remember that defense is not Nunez’s strength, but his bat would be an improvement over Chase Headley.

Nunez was an All-Star in 2016, hitting .288 with 16 HRs, 67 RBIs, and 40 stolen bases, playing for both the Minnesota Twins and San Francisco Giants. He’s followed that up with a strong start to 2017, hitting .299 with 17 stolen bases and 33 runs scored.

The San Francisco Giants are 27-47 and may blow things up and rebuild as the “even-year magic” seems to have come to an end last season. A free agent at the end of the year, Nunez is the rental player we typically see traded at the deadline by a non-contending team.

Rental players should be what the Yankees are looking for at third base. They don’t want to block the aforementioned top prospect Gleyber Torres from getting a shot at the hot corner.

Like with Beltre, acquiring Nunez for the second half of 2017 wouldn’t cost New York their top prospects. It would also give the Yankees another option at third, shortstop, and both corner outfield spots for their playoff push.

Home/New York Yankees