Chase Headley Played Through a Meniscus Tear in His Knee

Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Chase Headley has undergone arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in order to repair a medial meniscus tear, an injury that’s believed to have been a cause for Headley’s disappointing 2013 campaign. Sources within the San Diego Padres organization expect that Headley will need four to six weeks of recovery but should be 100% well in advance of Spring Training.

Headley’s 2013 season was a struggle from start to end. He began experiencing discomfort in his knee during Spring Training and injuries slowed him for nearly the whole season. Headley slipped to a .250/.347/.400 line on the year in 600 PA. Just a year removed from a career season (31 HR, 115 RBI) he dipped to just 13 HR and 50 RBI this past year. With one year remaining on his contract, Headley had been a favorite candidate for a possible mid-season trade but his struggles left few teams with legitimate interest.

Months later, with news that he’s now undergone surgery, there appears to be an even less likelier chance that the Padres will end up moving Headley this winter. He’ll head to arbitration one final time this winter and is looking at deal at least in the neighborhood of $10 Million before he’ll become a free agent following the season. Opposing teams may express an interest in acquiring him this winter, but San Diego is unlikely to see a significant return if they elect to move him now. It remains to be seen if the Padres will instead look to sign Headley to a team friendly contract extension, considering the organization is likely holding all of the leverage.