Jason Heyward Reportedly Signs with Chicago Cubs | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors
Free-agent outfielder Jason Heyward is one of the biggest prizes of the entire 2015 Major League Baseball offseason, and the Chicago Cubs have reportedly landed the talented outfielder, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
A 10-year, $200 million contract "isn't out of the question," according to Heyman. However, ESPN's Jayson Stark is "hearing" that it's more likely he'll get $24 million a year for eight or nine years.
While the Washington Nationals were linked to the outfielder as well, they gave up landing Heyward on Friday after he failed to answer by the deadline the team set, per Heyman.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times' Gordon Wittenmyer on Dec. 7, Heyward was "said to be seeking at least eight years and could command $20 million or more per year." However, Wittenmyer confirmed the Cubs were "focusing the money they saved" in an effort to land the outfielder.
General manager Jed Hoyer said, "We have some available resources; I think that much is clear," when asked about targeting an outfielder, per Wittenmyer. The report also indicated signing Heyward or another outfielder could lead to a trade of right fielder Jorge Soler as Chicago looks to add depth in a number of different areas, including starting pitching.
Heyward is only 26 years old and hit the open market in the middle of his prime. Many times, teams sign free agents based on past accomplishments and are stuck with that player as he declines in his 30s (the Cubs experienced that when they signed Alfonso Soriano in 2006). That likely won't happen with Heyward for at least a few more years.
Heyward also slides right into the center field and leadoff spot free agent Dexter Fowler occupied last season. The Cubs need to replace Fowler in the field and the lineup, and they would do just that with one free-agent acquisition with Heyward.
Heyward also sports a .353 career on-base percentage and could set the table for sluggers Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo throughout the season. He also wouldn't be asked to provide too much power (he hit 27 home runs in 2012 but never reached 20 in any other season).
Perhaps most importantly, the Cubs would add a three-time Gold Glove winner to their outfield after struggling in the field during the NLCS loss to the New York Mets. Even if Chicago converted Heyward from right field to center, his 122 total defensive runs saved above average during his six seasons, according to FanGraphs, is a testament to just how talented he is with the glove.
He is also young enough to cover ground in the middle of the outfield and could theoretically help cover for any defensive deficiencies that Kyle Schwarber, who played catcher in the minor leagues, shows in left on balls in the gap.
Heyward represents yet another piece of the St. Louis Cardinals' core from a season ago that the Cubs signed this offseason after they landed starting pitcher John Lackey. St. Louis won the National League Central and is Chicago's primary division rival and main obstacle standing in the way of sustained postseason success.
Any signing that strengthened the North Siders and weakened the Cardinals will play well in Wrigley Field in 2016.
