After losing Pablo Sandoval, the club is looking to sign Headley to play third base.
After losing Pablo Sandoval to free agency, the San Francisco Giants are looking for a new third baseman, and Chase Headley is among the candidates who can replace him. Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal noted on Saturday the Giants are aggressively pursuing the free agent infielder, who has been extended a four-year offer from an unknown team.
Several teams who have been linked to Headley this offseason have considered him as a first base option, however the departure of Sandoval ensures the Giants will look at him as a third baseman. In 135 games last season, Headley posted a .243/.328/.372 batting line to complement 13 home runs and 49 RBIs.
The four year deal Headley was offered is reportedly worth $65 million, notable because of the four-year, $48-50 million contract many expect him to ultimately receive. CBS Sports' Jon Heyman said it would be wise of Headley to take the $65 million deal considering Victor Martinez got a four-year, $68 dollar contract this offseason.
Both the Marlins and Yankees have been linked to Headley in the past, however Clark Spencer of The Miami Herald reported the Marlins have not engaged in any discussions that involved Headley earlier this week. New York was very interested, but refuses to make an offer that is over three years.
Rosenthal is unsure how the Giants' interest in Headley will impact the organization's interest in Jon Lester. As of Friday afternoon, the Giants were one of four teams Lester will choose between. San Francisco was willing to offer Sandoval a contract that was worth close to $95 million, and as a result, could afford both Headley and Lester if interested.
Although the team that made the $65 million offer is unknown, San Francisco may have made such a proposal considering it is looking to fill a third base vacancy. Headley was worth over $100 million over the last five seasons ($102.4) according to FanGraphs, and defensively has been among the best third baseman over the past few seasons.