Padres rumors: San Diego waiting on Chase Headley

San Diego Padres third baseman Chase Headley is considered a trade candidate entering the season, and the New York Yankees have already reportedly checked in on his availability. However, the Padres are expected to wait to see how the team produces this season before determining what to do with Headley, according to Andy Martino of The New York Daily News.

It was reported last week that the Padres were ready to start listening to offers for Headley. General manager Josh Byrnes came out soon after and told Peter Gammons that he wasn't interested in breaking the team up at this point. Gammons took this to mean that the Padres likely wouldn't consider trading Headley until the summer.

This belief lines up with Martino's report. San Diego's early showing figures to play a key role in determining how the club handles Headley. If they struggle, they could flip him to help expedite the rebuilding process. If they play well, San Diego could offer Headley a contract extension in hopes of continuing to build around him.

Headley had been a solid third baseman for the Padres since debuting for them in 2007, but he broke out in a big way last season. The 28-year-old hit .286/.376/.498 with 31 doubles and 31 home runs over 699 plate appearances.