Milwaukee Brewers: Should they consider signing Chase Headley?

The Milwaukee Brewers have been experiencing a wealth of injury so far in 2018. So far it has not reached Travis Shaw, but at this point the team could never be too sure. The San Diego Padres just released Chase Headley, who could provide depth at the corner infield positions.

Ji-Man Choi recently got the call up to the Milwaukee Brewers in wake of Ryan Braun hitting the DL. Eric Thames is also on the DL, and that left just Jesus Aguilar at first. Aguilar has also served as a backup third baseman this year.

By releasing Headley, it allows teams to sign him to a minor league deal without absorbing his big contract. For the Brewers, that means they could be getting a depth piece with some solid MLB experience.

Third Baseman In The Organization

Currently on the Milwaukee Brewers, if Shaw needs a day off there are several options. Utility men Hernan Perez and Tyler Saladino are the listed backups on the depth chart. Plus, Aguilar can play there in a pinch. So, they are pretty well covered. But Headley would not be placed directly on a major league roster. He would need to perform well, and then come across some luck.

Colorado Springs has three primary third baseman on their roster, Andres Blanco, Gabriel Noriega, and Shane Opitz. Blanco is currently on a DL stint. Several of their infielders can play the position as well, such as Nate Orf and Dylan Moore.

There is even solid depth in Biloxi with highly touted prospect Lucas Erceg headlining that crew. So it would be tough sledding to find a spot for Headley if David Stearns decided to make the move and sign him. Too much depth is never a bad thing though.

Chase Headley In 2018

At the height of his career, Headley was a 7.2 WAR player in 2012. However, he mostly sat just above three. Last season he was worth 1.9.

To say he started his 2018 season slow would be an understatement. In 60 plate appearances he was pegged with a strikeout rate of 33.3 percent and a batting average of .118. With a wRC+ of 15, and an offensive value a -6.6, the Padres were right to DFA him.

Should The Crew Go For It?

It couldn’t hurt, but it is a highly unlikely scenario. There is a ton of depth in the organization already. That being said, a minor league contract would be low risk and high reward. Headley is 34 years old and hit .273 last year. It is more likely a slow start that anything. There does not have to be any guarantee he makes it back to the majors with the Brewers, so why not at least try? His veteran presence could be good for the young guys.

It is extremely unlikely that Headley will sign with the Milwaukee Brewers, but highly likely that Stearns will check in on him. Stearns kicks the tires on every possibility. Remember the Mike Moustakas fiasco in the offseason?

Next: Should The Brewers Block A Cubs Deal For Machado?

Headley is a historically good player, and he is not entirely that old. Whichever team, if any, signs him might be getting a bargain on a solid player. But once more, do not expect that to be the Milwaukee Brewers.