MLB Rumors: Padres Could Look To Trade Third Baseman Chase Headley

A week from tomorrow general managers from around baseball will convene in Orlando, Florida as the Winter Meetings will take place. Los Angeles Dodgers GM Ned Colletti said the team will continue talks with clubs from the GM Meetings earlier in the month as there’s heavy interest in their four outfielders.

However, one name that could be on the block is San Diego Padres third baseman Chase Headley. The Padres have maintained they’re trying to lock up their 29-year-old franchise player, but according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, they’re open to talks:

The Padres have made a few runs at signing third baseman Chase Headley to a long-term contract to no avail, and now according to sources, San Diego is willing to listen to offers for the switch-hitter.

The New York Yankees, Dodgers or other teams in need of a third baseman could be a fit, with an inner-division trade difficult to execute. However, there’s another report suggesting the Padres are seeking a left-handed bat and Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier comes to mind.

In 2013, Headley hit .250 with 13 home runs and 50 RBI in 141 games as he battled a thumb injury for most of the season. Any Dodger trade would have to also include prospects, with names like Zach Lee, Ross Stripling and Corey Seager thrown around.

Even in a down year, Headley maintained a 3.6 WAR, sixth best among third baseman and had a wRC+ of 113. While those numbers are down after his incredible 2012 season, a team in need of a third baseman couldn’t do better on the open market.

While the Padres maintain they’ll listen to offers, it’s still highly unlikely they deal Headley this off-season, but he’d have plenty of suitors including the Yankees and Dodgers.

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ICYMI: The Dodgers and right-hander Dan Haren agreed to a one-year deal.