Yankees, Headley agree to 4 year deal

GM Brian Cashman can cross off third base on his to-do list, as the Yankees and Chase Headley have reportedly agreed on a 4 year deal worth $52M plus performance bonuses. The deal is pending a physical. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports first reported that a deal was close.

Headley, who turns 31 in May, came over to New York in a trade last July which sent Yangervis Solarte and Rafael De Paula to San Diego. Headley went on to hit .262/.371/.398 with 6 homers and 17 RBI as a Yankee. This was obviously enough for the team to re-sign him as the everyday third baseman. Cashman has praised Headley's clubhouse presence along with this steady glove ever since he was acquired.

This almost certainly means that Alex Rodriguez will now slot in as the full-time designated hitter. Rodriguez, assuming he's even on the team come opening day, will be Headley's back up. He might see some time at first as well.

Also, Martin Prado can now be penciled in as the second baseman. The super utility man has played mostly at third throughout his career, but can also handle second. Up and coming second base prospect Rob Refsnyder will likely begin the year at Triple-A.

Did the Yankees overpay for Headley? Probably. But in a sport now where offense is limited, the Yankees felt it was necessary to lock up a guy who has 15 homer potential. Remember, Headley once hit 31 and knocked in 115 back in 2012. He fought through a herniated disc last season, which should be concerning since back issues rarely ever go away completely. Regardless, third base is now one less thing Yankee fans can worry about.