Chase Headley is a Padre again

The Padres and the New York Yankees have reportedly reached an agreement to bring former Padre Chase Headley back to San Diego. Bryan Mitchell, a 26-year-old right-handed starting pitcher, is the main piece in this deal, as he has team control through 2022. Jabari Blash is going to the Yankees, and another roster move will be needed to clear the space for the two incoming players. Ken Rosenthal announced the deal:

Chase Headley is hardly the player the Padres traded away in 2014 for Yangervis Solarte and Rafael de Paula. His performance on both offense and defense have slipped, although his .273/.352/.406 2017 line would still hold up in the Padres lineup. His inclusion in the deal appears to be a salary dump of the $13m he is due for the 2018 season, which makes sense considering the deal is in the immediate wake of the Yankees’ acquisition of Giancarlo Stanton and his massive contract. The switch-hitting Headley has played most of his games at third base throughout his career, but he does have some time at first base. The Padres are now holding an even greater surplus at third base, with Headley joining Christian Villanueva, Yangervis Solarte, and Cory Spangenberg on the roster.

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Bryan Mitchell has seen limited MLB service in each of the last four years, appearing in twenty games last season, mostly as a reliever. He has a big four-seam fastball that he mixes with a cutter and a curveball. His performance in the high minors in recent years suggests that he may be better suited as a starter, which is an area of need for the Padres.

The early news has Jabari Blash listed as the sole piece going back to the Yankees in this deal. Blash has been an enticing player with a mix of plate discipline and immense power, but his lack of consistent contact at the MLB level along with questionable defensive aptitude has limited him to a AAAA role.