The Cubs won 97 games and reached the NL Championship Series before getting swept by the Mets. If Heyward plays right, they could try to trade Jorge Soler for a pitcher or center fielder.
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Rebuilding their middle relief corps, the Nationals agreed with right-hander Shawn Kelley on a three-year, $15 million contract and with left-hander Oliver Perez on a two-year, $7 million deal. He spent his first five seasons with the Braves and never hit more than 27 homers in a season, but his defense in rightfield, baserunning and steady bat have made him one of the most valuable players in baseball.
After signing Heyward, Ben Zobrist and another former Cardinal in John Lackey, the Cubs are 8/1 favorites to win the 2016 World Series according to oddsmakers from online sports book Mybookie.ag. Shortstop Starlin Castro was traded to the New York Yankees.
Guess we already knew that, but – if nothing else – committing $23 million per year for most of a decade to a player who has averaged just 16 home runs, 59 RBIs and 74 runs scored in his first six years in the major leagues is a clear triumph of new-age statistical analysis.
Heyward’s ability to get on base should enhance RBI opportunities for Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber – who all are 26 or younger.
Most definitely a viable replacement to fill the void left by Heyward, if not an upgrade, Gordon ranks high on the Cardinals’ wish list as does free agent slugger Chris Davis.
Heyward’s deal has two opt-outs: One is after three years, the second after an unknown time frame, according to ESPN and multiple reports.
The Cardinals have had talks with Colorado, and the Rockies are known to be taking offers on right fielder Carlos Gonzalez.
In addition to winning a World Series ring in 2015 as a member of the Kansas City Royals, he tallied four consecutive Gold Glove Awards as a left fielder from 2011 through 2014.
Being part of a talented and youthful lineup was another reason why Heyward was swayed toward the Cubs instead of the Cardinals and Nationals. He was 3-4 with 62 strikeouts in 541/3 innings.
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Hanson, 29, who died November 9, wasn’t breathing as rescue crews tried to help him at a friend’s home in Newnan, south of Atlanta.
