Padres Rumors: Headley More Appealing Than Youkilis?

San Diego Padres third baseman Chase Headley is a popular trade target, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Rosenthal adds that Headley may be a more attractive commodity than Boston Red Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis.

Rosenthal lists Headley’s age, 28, compared to Youkilis, 33, and the fact that the third baseman is set to earn roughly $8.5 million less in 2012 salary as reasons why he could be more of a commodity than the Red Sox slugger.

Headley has been San Diego’s most consistent offensive player this season, leading the team in home runs (7) and RBIs (25). Headley has hit at a clip of .253/.370/.426.

Headley’s numbers have improved over the past few years, and he’s not set to hit the free agent market until following the 2014 season.

While the Padres may want to lock Headley up long-term, Rosenthal believes the presence of top prospect Jedd Gyorko could have San Diego willing to listen this summer.

Gyorko, a second round pick in the 2010 MLB Draft, has a career OPS of .901 over his three seasons in the minors. This year while playing between the Padres Double- and Triple-A affiliates, Gyorko has hit at a clip of .299/.369/.498 with 20 extra-base hits and 32 RBIs.