Baltimore Orioles: Will Orioles’ Machado outshine Blue Jays’ Donaldson in 2017?
By Nate Wardle
4. New York Yankees
New York Yankees’ third basemen – Chase Headley, Ronald Torreyes, Rob Refsnyder
When it comes to Chase Headley, what you see is what you get.
In 2012, Headley was a Gold Glover, a Silver Slugger and fifth in the MVP vote. The Yankees traded for him in 2014, probably hoping he would come close to that form.
It hasn’t happened.
In pinstripes, Headley has hit .257/.334/.380. In 2016 he hit 14 HRs, 18 2Bs, 51 RBIs and 58 runs. The numbers in 2015 were better, with more doubles and RBIs and runs, but fewer HRs.
Headley will not hurt you defensively. His dWAR in 2016 was 1.1, to go with an oWAR of 1.9. Headley’s range numbers are good, and his total zone runs above average is near zero, so at least not negative.
Headley never will achieve what the Yankees probably hoped for, and that is a bit glaring considering the competition at third base in the division. But, he is a serviceable piece and better than just putting a utility player at the position. Speaking of utility players, Headley’s backup will be one of or both of Torreyes and Refsnyder, two utility players fighting to make the roster, as referenced in the second base predictions.