Chase Headley finally is a New York Yankee.
The veteran third baseman has long been connected to the Yankees, and the San Diego Padres finally traded Headley to New York for two players Tuesday. The Yankees sent 23-year-old right-handed pitcher Rafael De Paula and 27-year-old infielder Yangervis Solarte to San Diego to complete the deal.
The addition of Headley gives the Bronx Bombers some much-needed infield help, especially at the hot corner. Headley, 30, appeared in 77 games with the Padres this season, hitting .229 with seven home runs and 32 RBIs. Headley recently started to heat up, hitting .323 with one home run and nine RBIs in July.
The Yankees likely hope taking the switch-hitting Headley out of San Diego and giving him shots at the short right field porch at Yankee Stadium will get him going. Headley has displayed the ability to be an impact player in the past. He finished fifth in National League MVP voting in 2012 when he hit 31 home runs and drove in 115 runs while winning a Gold Glove for the Padres.
Headley will be a free agent after this season.
