2011 MLB Trade Rumors: Chase Headley May Become Available

With the current weak free agent market for third basemen, Jon Paul Morosi and Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports speculate that San Diego’s Chase Headley could be made available later this winter.  Morosi and Rosenthal speculate the Orioles, Reds, Rockies and Brewers could all be suitors for Headley if the Padres decide to trade their third baseman.

The duo has no source on this one; it appears to be mere speculation on their part.  Still their reasoning for producing such a rumor makes sense.

Headley has performed well for the Padres since making his debut in 2007.  The 27-year-old has always finished the year with an OPS north of .700, and managed to hit at a clip of .289/.374/.399 last year.

While this may not appear to be a super-impressive line, you have to consider that Headley plays half of his games in the pitcher’s haven that is PETCO Park.  Morosi and Rosenthal point out that if you take a look at Headley’s home and road splits in 2011, you will see that his numbers improved considerably when he ventured out of San Diego (.243/.348/.326 home vs. .330/.399/.465 away).

Another reason Headley could hit the trade block later this winter is his upcoming cost to the Padres.  As an arbitration eligible player, Headley is set to make more than $3 million in 2012.  Again, while that may not sound like a significant investment, it is the Padres we are talking about.

For now at least, according to FOX Sports, it appears the Padres want to hold onto Headley.  If this trade doesn’t happen during the offseason, Morosi and Rosenthal see it as a very possible 2012 deadline deal.

The reason for this is Logan Forsythe, a 24-year-old prospect in the Padres’ system that could take over at third for Headley.  Though Forsythe played most of his games at second base in 2011, he did come up manning the hot corner.

Morosi and Rosenthal think that Forsythe may require more time in Triple-A in 2012 because, while the youngster handled Triple-A pitching in 2011 (.326/.445/.528), he struggled during his 62 games in the majors (.213/.281/.287).

Beyond Aramis Ramirez, the free agent market for third basemen is a weak one.  As Morosi and Rosenthal point out, there are many clubs looking for help at third and in left field, Headley’s primary positions.

For more on the Padres, be sure to check out Chicken Friars.