Chase Headley has endured a disappointing season after finishing fifth in the National League MVP voting in 2012.
Headley is eligible for free agency in November 2014, giving the San Diego Padres a number of options. They can try to sign him to a contract extension, trade him with a year left on his contract or let him play out the season to better gauge his value.
The slugger's first priority would be to remain with the Padres.
"My first priority would be to stay in San Diego," Headley said. "I love San Diego, and I've been with a lot of guys in this room for a long time. There are a lot of pieces here, and we're a lot closer [to contending] than people think.
"It's probably prudent for both sides to get a little clarity this offseason versus this dragging on. From the conversations I've had with our ownership and with Josh in the past, they honestly want to keep me here. I really believe that. If it doesn't work out, it doesn't mean they didn't try or that we didn't want to be here. Sometimes, things don't work out. But there's still mutual interest, and I expect it will continue in the offseason."