Earlier in free agency the Cubs signed veteran right-hander John Lackey to a two-year deal worth $32 million.
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Heyward was reportedly choosing between the Cardinals, Cubs and the Nationals and he opted to sign in Chicago on an 8-year, $184 million deal.
Heyward, who could play center field for the Cubs, batted. 353 on-base percentage and a reputation for being a professional clubhouse influence.
Heyward hit a career-high.
Heyward has spent the overwhelming majority of his career in right field. In 126 games batting leadoff, Heyward has hit.
“A person familiar with the Cardinals’ thinking indicated that they will heavily pursue Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon, who figures to command about half the years and dollars as Heyward”. He’s had at least 15 defensive runs saved in each of his six seasons in the majors.
As teams step away from traditional thinking of when writing the first name on the lineup card, a player like Heyward looks very possible.
Heyward, you see, had a 6.5 WAR (wins above replacement) in his one season with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2015. 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 (sic) in hot!!”
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. The Cubs ended the Cardinals’ season by eliminating them in the National League division series and now have signed two key contributors. 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.
In structuring the contract, the Cubs believe Heyward will be able to achieve the greatness forecast for him after the Braves took him as the 14th overall selection in the 2007 amateur draft. 293 with 13 home runs, 60 RBIs and 23 stolen bases in 2015 after being acquired from the Braves in an off-season trade.
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I wasn’t in favor of the Heyward signing in part because I thought it would cost too much money.
