Yankees Continue to Chase Playoff Dream by Acquiring Headley

The NY Yankees have acquired Chase Headley and cash from the San Diego Padres in exchange for INF utility man Yangervis Solarte and minor league pitching prospect Rafael De Paula.

Chase Headley, who's expected to become a free-agent after this season, has slumped thus far - batting a measly .229 with seven home runs and 32 RBI's. He also struggled last season in an injury plagued year, where he batted .250 with 13 homers.

The Yankees are banking on a change of scenery to a hitter-friendly ball park in the Bronx to rectify the career of Headley, who had 31 Home Runs and a league-leading 115 RBI's in 2012 while playing in the pitcher-friendly Petco Park.

Needless to say, anyone at this point can upgrade the Yankees offense, which up until last night has a combined average of .252.

Putting aside offense for a second, Chase Headley has been playing outstanding defense at third base, per both UZR/150 (+19.7) and Defensive Runs Saves (+7). These are some pretty encouraging numbers for the Yankees,  who committed five errors in last night's loss to the Texas Rangers.

Pending how Headley's second half finishes up in the Bronx, it'll be interesting to see if he solidifies himself a new contract with the Yankees, which will further complicate things with the Yankees and the return of Alex Rodriguez.