Sleeper: 3B Chase Headley, New York Yankees
By Bill Pivetz
Mar 10, 2015; Sarasota, FL, USA; New York Yankees third baseman Chase Headley (12) singles during the first inning of a spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Yankees are trying their best to move on from the Alex Rodriguez experiment. Things became more evident when the team traded for the San Diego Padres third baseman Chase Headley. He played well in the second half of the season and is slotted to be the starting third baseman. With the depth at third base, Headley is a sleeper pick in standard leagues.
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Headley had a monster 2012 season, 31 home runs and 115 RBI with a .286 batting average. He tried to replicate those numbers in 2013, and failed. He hit just 13 home runs with 50 RBI and a .250 average. Headley saw his power diminish last season. Between the Padres and Yankees, he hit 13 home runs again with 49 RBI and a combined .243 average.
He did see better production in New York. Headley became more patient at the plate. He saw 4.29 pitchers per plate appearance and walked 29 times in 224 plate appearances. With the lack of power production in the Yankees lineup, the team needs him to see the ball better.
The 2012 season is looking to be like an outlier. So, if you draft him, don’t expect 30/100 again. With the depth at third base, Headley falls to No. 20. He will be a backup in standard leagues or a starter in much deeper leagues. Rodriguez still being on the roster should not affect Headley and his playing time. Headley may get an off day every so often, but unless he suffers from an injury, Headley will be at third base.
He is only 30 years old, so a comeback season is not completely out of the question. He should be drafted in the later rounds with the hope he gets close to his 2012 numbers. He has an ADP of 232.43 (24th round). With the hope of 20/80 at Yankees Stadium, I’d take a flier on Headley this season.