The New York Yankees traded Chase Headley and Brian Mitchell to the San Diego Padres for Jabari Blash on Tuesday, the team's second big trade of the offseason. Here's what the trade means for the Yankees:
Why the Yankees made the trade:
New York made the move in order to clear more room under the luxury tax threshold ($197 million), giving them a better opportunity to pursue a top-end starting pitcher or third baseman on the open market. They are known to be targeting Alex Cobb and Jake Arrieta in free agency. San Diego will absorb all of the $13 million on Headley's contract.
Possible holes in the lineup:
The Yankees now have holes at both second base and third base with last year's starters no longer on the roster. Starlin Castro, the starting second baseman for New York in 2017, was sent to the Marlins as part of the Giancarlo Stanton trade.
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Plans to fill those holes:
Dumping Headley's salary increases the chances that New York will bring back Todd Frazier. The Yankees acquired him in a midseason trade and he liked playing for the team and was a great presence in the clubhouse. However, if they don't re-sign Frazier, the Yankees believe Miguel Andújar - the No. 5 prospect in their system - is ready to handle the role in the majors. They also believe Gleyber Torres can play there as well.
What purpose will Jabari Blash serve?
Blash, an outfielder, appeared in 61 games for the Padres last season, hitting .213 with five home runs and 16 RBIs. He's way down New York's depth chart and is unlikely to ever play a game for the Yankees.
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