PADRES BRING BACK CHASE HEADLEY
The San Diego Padres acquired infielder Chase Headley, pitcher Bryan Mitchell and cash from the New York Yankees for outfielder Jabari Blash.
What does it give the San Diego Padres
Veteran Headley spent nine and a half seasons in the Padres organization prior to being traded to the Yankees in 2014. Now, he is back and should play regularly (somewhere). The switch-hitting Headley can play first, second and third base (with the hot corner being his natural position). He gives San Diego plenty of options. As for Mitchell, he can be used either as a starter or reliever but will probably be given a chance to start in San Diego. With half his starts at PETCO Park next season, Mitchell could be a breakout candidate for a Padres team in desperate need of innings from their rotation. The Yankees also threw a little cash to complete the deal.
What does it give the New York Yankees
Can someone say 'salary dump'? This trade is clearly that for the Bronx Bombers, since the last thing they needed right now was another corner outfielder. Blash will probably be forced to spend most (if not all) of 2018 in the minors, despite the fact the 28-year-old is probably good enough to stick on somebody's 25-man roster. He could be used as part of another deal, or his presence may allow the Yankees to deal another outfielder (such as Jacoby Ellsbury, Billy McKinney or even Clint Frazier). New York's crowded outfield/DH situation, and need to dump contracts, stems from the arrival of Giancarlo Stanton in a trade with the Marlins recently.
Fantasy impact
Headley's fantasy stock may be hurt by a return to PETCO Park, though he was not a great fantasy option to begin with. Mitchell's value, on the other hand, is definitely on the rise. Only 26, Mitchell could emerge this season as a capable starter. So, the move from the Yankees to the National League should benefit him greatly. As for Blash, he simply won't have enough at-bats as a Yankee to make an impact. Take a wait-and-see approach with him and hope for a trade.
