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
6 of 7
Next
Mar 15, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Tyler Wade (82) throws to first base for the out on Philadelphia Phillies’ Brock Stassi (78) (not pictured) in the fifth inning of a baseball game during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Tyler Wade (82) throws to first base for the out on Philadelphia Phillies’ Brock Stassi (78) (not pictured) in the fifth inning of a baseball game during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Tyler Wade, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (New York Yankees Triple-A Affiliate)

Sticking with the idea that the best option to replacing Chase Headley is internal, number one on the list is a Yankee farmhand who already appears MLB-ready.

With Didi Gregorius starting the year on the disabled list with a shoulder injury, Tyler Wade almost opened the season as the Yankees’ starting shortstop after hitting .357 in spring training.

New York opted for Ronald Torreyes, who was more than serviceable until Didi’s return. Wade was, instead, sent to Triple-A where he’s been playing a super utility role.

So far this season, Wade has played second base, third base, shortstop, and all three outfield positions for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

The 2013 fourth round pick could not only replace Headley at third but also provide depth in the middle infield and be a fourth outfielder while Jacoby Ellsbury is out with a concussion.

Wade seems to have mastered Triple-A pitching, slashing .319/.382/.456 with 24 extra-base hits, 24 RBIs, 54 runs scored, and 20 stolen bases in 66 games.

The Yankees’ 11th best prospect according to MLB.com, Wade gets the nod for the top spot on our list ahead of Miguel Andujar, as he appears to be ready for The Show.

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s do-it-all utility man is not on the Yankees’ current 40-man roster. However, New York’s 40-man roster has an open spot, so that issue can be quickly alleviated.

Also, Brian Cashman recently told Michael Kay (even before Gleyber Torres got hurt) that if the Yankees were in need of infield help, Tyler Wade would be the guy to get the call.

Wade, although he isn’t expected to set the league on fire, can slide into the nine-hole and use his on-base skills to give the top of the Yankee order more RBI opportunities.

The 22-year-old is ready to make the jump to the major leagues in some capacity. Considering his performances this year in spring training and Triple-A, Tyler Wade is the Yankees’ top option to replace Chase Headley as their starting third baseman.

Home/New York Yankees