Yankees trade Headley, Mitchell to Padres
The Yankees traded third baseman Chase Headley and pitcher Bryan Mitchell and $500,000 to the San Diego Padres on Tuesday, giving New York added payroll flexibility and room for infield prospects.
New York received 28-year-old outfielder Jabari Blash, who made his big league debut in 2016 and has played in 99 big league games over two seasons.
A day after finalizing its acquisition of NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton from Miami, the Yankees dealt with their infield logjam and cut their payroll to about $167 million for luxury tax purposes. Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner is intent on getting under the $197 million tax threshold next year, and New York still may attempt to re-sign left-hander CC Sabathia or add another starting pitcher.
Headley, who turns 34 in May, lost his third base job and shifted to first when the Yankees acquired Todd Frazier last summer. While Frazier became a free agent, the Yankees appear intent on letting 21-year-old Miguel Andujar compete for third base in spring training. Trading Headley also could signal the Yankees may try to re-sign Frazier, a New Jersey native who relished playing in his home market.
Gleyber Torres, who turns 21 this week, could be a third base option or have a chance to take over at second following the trade of Starlin Castro to the Marlins in the Stanton deal.
Headley, returning to the team that selected him in the second round of the 2005 amateur draft, has a $13 million salary next season in 2018, which completes a $52 million, four-year deal. He receives a $1 million assignment bonus for getting traded, and his deal calls for $250,000 bonuses each for 475, 500, 525 and 550 plate appearances. The Yankees must make their $500,000 payment to the Padres by Jan. 10.
Showalter want to keep managing Orioles beyond 2018
Buck Showalter wants to continue managing the Baltimore Orioles after his contract expires following the 2018 season.
The three-time Manager of the Year was asked Tuesday at baseball’s winter meetings in Orlando whether he wants to manage the Orioles in 2019 and beyond.
“As I get older, I realize how lucky I am,” the 61-yearold Showalter said. “I think everybody knows what I think of the city and the organization and the people that I’ve come to know. But as every day passes, it’s another great honor.”
Showalter has won 1,504 games in 19 seasons as a manager in the majors, eight with the Orioles.
Baltimore finished last in the AL East this year with a 75-87 record.
Mariners RHP Iwakuma making progress after shoulder surgery
Seattle Mariners pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma could be back as soon as May after surgery on his right shoulder.
The 36-year-old Iwakuma made only six starts last season, going 0-2 with a 4.35 ERA. The problems with his pitching shoulder sent him to the disabled list in May and caused setbacks during his recovery.
He had an operation in late September.
“I’ve got my fingers crossed,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said Tuesday at baseball’s winter meetings. “He’s a huge asset and we’ll hope for the best.”
Servais added that Iwakuma’s return could happen “probably” in midMay to early June.
Iwakuma has spent six seasons with the Mariners. He is 63-39 with a 3.42 ERA in the majors.