So far this offseason, the Cubs have grown stronger, all while weakening their arch-rivals to the South. First there was St. Louis’ playoff loss to Chicago in October, and now the Cubs are taking talent away from the Cardinals and making it their own. 268 hitter and has hit more than 18 home runs only once in six seasons, but the Cubs are banking on his upside and fortifying a lineup with Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber and Addison Russell – all 26 or younger.
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After missing out on re-signing right fielder Jason Heyward – he chose to sign for eight years, $184 million with the Cubs – St. Louis was left with a gaping hole in its outfield. Could players on Heyward’s old team be a beneficiary of him leaving?
According to Peter Gammons, the deal also has two opt outs, though, where they are in the life of the contract was not specified.
Heyward hit. 293 with 13 homers, 60 RBIs, 23 stolen bases and a. 797 OPS in 2015.
His addition gives the Cubs a premier defensive outfielder, though for now, Heyward will be slated to play center field when he’s typically more suited for a corner position. Both players are represented by Casey Close of Excel Sports Management, who also happens to be Heyward’s agent.
The Cardinals, Nationals, Cubs and Los Angeles Angels were thought to be among the finalists for Heyward. Heyward is arguably one of the best corner outfielders in baseball, winning a Gold Glove during the 2015 season with the Cardinals, and he has the range and speed to play center field, which the Cubs could potentially have him do. Playing for the Cubs has never been a more attractive proposition than it is right now, and Theo Epstein isn’t letting that edge go to waste.
A couple years ago fans were upset when the Braves traded Jason Heyward to the St. Louis Cardinals.
Earlier this off season, the Cubs also signed veteran infielder Ben Zobrist in a four-year, $56 million free agent deal.
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Gordon, who is expected to command a contract in the 5-6 year range, and around $20 million per year. Blair and Swanson meanwhile, are two prospects who look like they will be very solid players at the highest level, and in Swanson’s case there is superstar potential.
