Washington also agreed with right-hander Shawn Kelley on a $15 million, three-year contract and with left-hander Oliver Perez on a $7 million, two-year deal….
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There are some teams or players who come out of this as losers, though.
The Cubs didn’t confirm the deal, as Heyward must pass a physical before it becomes official.
Despite the silence from the front office, numerous Cubs players expressed their jubilation on Twitter. “I just wanna help fly that #W”. Rizzo and Bryant could always swap yet this doesn’t affect the lineup because Zobrist will dig into whichever batter’s box is appropriate for the pitcher on the mound. “Cubbies comin in hot!!”
Cubs are believed to have gotten heyward for less than $200M.
After a few years of building and biding his time Theo Epstein is doing to the Cubs what he did with the Boston Red Sox. 293 with 13 homers and 60 RBIs this year, helping St. Louis win the NL Central. Also appearing in three All-Star Games, Gordon probably would have made it a fifth straight year had it not been for a groin injury that cost him two months midway through the season.
After being swept by the New York Mets, its clear the Cubs have positioned themselves for a return trip the NLCS.
Adding a veteran presence to the Cardinals’ clubhouse that features up-and-comers outfielder Stephen Piscotty and second baseman Kolten Wong, Gordon also bares the coveted clutch gene as he displayed in Game 1 of the World Series with a late home run. The Cardinals could use Gordon in left field after next season when Matt Holliday’s contract will likely be up.
The creatively-structured contracts of Lackey and Zobrist, thanks in part to the cooperation of the Cubs business operation along with a mega local television contract expected to crystallize before the 2020 season, made it possible for the Cubs to acquire Heyward. Chances are the Cubs aren’t done making moves either, as they could trade for more pitching help by unloading Jorge Soler to make room for Heyward.
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With 2015 National League Cy Young Award victor Jake Arrieta eligible for free agency after 2017 and Lackey’s contract expiring at the same time, the Cubs would like another starting pitcher under team control for several seasons.
