Report: Giants “turning aggressive” on free agent third baseman Chase Headley

After Pablo Sandoval left San Francisco for Boston in November agreeing to a five-year, $95 million deal, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports that the Giants are becoming more aggressive in their pursuit for Chase Headley.

Jeff Passan of Yahoo reported last week that an unknown team offered Headley a four-year, $65 million deal with the Giants, Indians, and Marlins all interested. Rosenthal said it is unclear whether San Francisco’s interest in Headley affects their pursuit of left-hander Jon Lester.

Headley, 30, had a slash of .243/.328/.372 in 2014 while posting a 103 wRC+ in 135 games. In 2013 he had a 114 wRC+, 2012 he had a 145 wRC+, and in 2011 a 121 wRC+. According to FanGraphs, Headley has been worth a total of 102.4 million in the last five seasons. His advanced defensive metrics the past three years combined have been the best by far among third basemen.

Notes:

– Giants rumored to be interested in Melky Cabrera, Lester, Ervin Santana, and Max Scherzer.

– The team is in need of a left fielder but feels that Juan Perez, Gregor Blanco and Travis Ishikawa are all capable of handling the position.

– Signed Ishikawa, Hector Sanchez to one year deals while tendering an offer to Blanco expected to make near $4 million for the 2015 season.