A trade fit between the Yankees and Phillies could be forming as the countdown to the MLB trade deadline unfolds.

With third base continuing to profile as a glaring issue in the Bronx, the Yankees can use an upgrade over Chase Headley. If a veteran -- and not simply a promotion for top prospect Gleyber Torres -- is the way the Yankees want to go, Phillies veteran slugger Howie Kendrick could be an answer, according to Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe.

Kendrick is an emerging trade chip as an attractive right-handed bat. I asked Phillies folks whether Kendrick could be considered a third base option for a contender, and the answers were in the negative. But given his infield instincts one scout said, "He can get in front of it, knock it down, and make the throw. I'll bet you could get by with him there and you'd take the chance because of his bat. But at this stage, he's better off in left field." Kendrick did play 17 games at third base last season and made just one error. Lately he's been seen taking ground balls at third. If he could play third, the Yankees and Red Sox would have interest.

The 33-year-old infielder/outfielder is one of the most versatile players in the league. Since entering the league in 2006, Kendrick has logged playing time at second base, left field, third base, first base and center field. At this point, he's probably best used as a left fielder, but could be serviceable enough on the dirt.

For the Yankees, Kendrick's bat would be the attractive part of any potential deal with the Phillies. Entering play on June 19, Kendrick owned an .840 OPS.

Kendrick is owed $10M this season and will be a free agent after 2017.

Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.