The Yankees traded for Chase Headley prior to this year's deadline because they needed a third baseman. They still do, but they might not re-sign the 30-year-old. In Texas, the Rangers are looking to fill their void in right field with Torii Hunter.
When Pablo Sandoval signed with the Boston Red Sox for five years and $95 million, many believed the price for Headley would increase because of the demand for established third basemen throughout the league. That might be the case, as Wallace Matthews of ESPN New York writes the Yankees have cooled on the idea of re-signing Headley because Sandoval's contract has "stiffened Headley's resolve to get a five-year deal of his own."
Headley had a decent stint with New York, slashing .262/.371/.398 with six home runs and 17 RBIs in 58 games. He'll turn 31 in May, and with back issues, the Yankees might not find it in their best interests to sign him to a multi-year deal when they have Martin Prado who can play third and Alex Rodriguez who will be returning (but they're unsure if he can be an everyday fielder).
A source with knowledge of the team's thinking told Matthews that New York is exploring the possibility of putting Prado at third while they give Rob Refsnyder the opportunity to win the second base job in spring training. The 23-year-old Refsnyder played 137 games last season between Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and batted .318/.387/.497 with 14 home runs and 63 RBIs. General manager Brian Cashman has spoke of focusing more on player development, and this could be the team's chance to begin the endeavor.
"There are a lot of people in [the Yankees'] organization who want to give Refsnyder a shot," the source told Matthews. "They think he's [their] best hitter."
While the Yankees are looking to fill from within, the Texas Rangers are looking to do so through free agency. ESPN's Buster Olney noted the Rangers are making a push for Hunter to "balance out their lineup." The team declined Alex Rios' option for 2015, which now leaves a vacancy in right field, and Hunter makes sense since he's nearing the end of his career and lives in Prosper, Texas.
"While three major league sources said Monday that the club has been aggressive in pursuing Hunter, the sides had not yet reached an agreement," writes Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. "General manager Jon Daniels declined Monday to comment on Hunter. Hunter's representative, Larry Reynolds, did not return a request for comment either."
A deal would make sense for both sides since the Rangers are in need of a right fielder and Hunter is an experienced veteran who has proved he can still play at 39 years of age. Texas wouldn't have to take a huge financial hit signing him and Hunter wouldn't mind a one or two year deal in his home state.
Although the Rangers had one of the worst seasons in the MLB this past year, they were dealing with a lot of injuries to crucial players. They are very much a threat in the AL West if they can add a couple more pieces to their roster, preferably an outfielder and a starting pitcher.
The MLB Winter Meetings are approaching on December 7, but it's possible Hunter signs before then since a number of American League teams are interested in him.
