Chase Headley

2013

Subscribe now to see our 2013 outlook.

2012

When Headley first arrived in San Diego, he was a highly touted third-base prospect who was capable of hitting for a high average with decent power totals. While it has taken a few seasons in the majors to make the necessary adjustments, he finally found his groove in 2011 and posted a career best .289/.374/.399 slash line. With an improved 11.8 percent walk rate and an annually improving 80 percent contact rate, Headley has finally delivered the on-base numbers we saw back in the minors and is becoming more of a complete ballplayer. His minor league power may never translate in the majors due to the dimensions of Petco Park, but he should still produce everywhere else, including the continued contribution of double-digit steals.

2011

Headley stole more bases and reduced his strikeout rate for the second season in a row, but the rest of his skills remained the same in 2010, which wasn't a good thing. He again didn't hit for average, had trouble getting on base, didn't hit for power and continued to struggle against lefties. For someone who plays third base (or any position), these aren't the best skills to have. If he can continue to reduce his strikeout rate and turn around his sliding slugging percentage, there's hope that he can become a useful fantasy asset entering his age 27 season. However, it appears that a platoon role would likely be in his and fantasy owners' best interest.

2010

Strikeouts and power need to be correlated for hitters. If you can't make enough contact to hit .300, then you need to be able to drive the ball when you do connect. Headley hasn't been that guy, with a 25 percent strikeout rate chewing up his batting average and limiting his OBP, but just a .403 SLG in two seasons as a regular that doesn't make up for it. Throw in bad defense at a hitting position, and he's been a disappointment. If the Padres ever free up third base for him, he might hit a little better and he'd certainly field better; until then, he's someone you'll be looking to improve upon. Caveat: He's third-base eligible in most formats, so worth a late pick.

2009

Headley's strong start at Triple-A Portland earned him a mid-June promotion. He had an odd season as he hit five homers but did not walk in his first 87 at-bats, then hitting only four more homers in his last 244 at-bats, but walking 30 times. This is the type of plate discipline Headley displayed in the minors, though his contact rate with the Padres was less than 70 percent, a mark he needs to improve as his power will become more consistent as he matures. Originally a third baseman, Headley showed surprising dexterity in left field, where he will likely spend his 2009 season. If Kevin Kouzmanoff has any issues getting healthy in time for Opening Day, Headley could spend time at the hot corner to begin the year.

2008

The Padres love Headley and would give him the reins at third base if Kevin Kouzmanoff wasn't already there. As a result, Headley's 2008 role is uncertain. The Padres will experiment with him as an outfielder during spring training. Triple-A is also a possibility, although the Padres think the 23-year-old is ready for prime time. Headley is a solid all-around hitter; in 433 Double-A at-bats last year, he hit .330 with 20 homers, 78 RBI and 74 walks. He gained 15 pounds of muscle during the offseason and is up to 230 pounds. Headley is a very good sleeper, but watch his role during spring training.

2007

Headley has excellent plate discipline and moderate power and was named to the High-A California League's Postseason All-Star Team after he hit .291/.389/.434 with 12 homers and 73 RBI in 484 at-bats. He was believed to be San Diego's best young third baseman until the team traded for Kevin Kouzmanoff in November, a move which considerably clouds Headley's future with the Padres.