At just 26 years old, Heyward has arguably the most potential of any of the free agents in this year’s class. The left-handed hitter started this season a bit cold but over his final 94 games, Heyward averaged.
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The Cubs didn’t confirm the deal, as Heyward must pass a physical before it becomes official.
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…. Heyward reportedly had a $200 million offer for at least seven or eight years on the table, according to the Chicago Sun-Times, which was the first to report the news. But a source confirmed the agreement, adding that the Cubs sold the multi-talented Heyward on their future and the chance to play a significant role in winning their first World Series since 1908. If the Braves had manipulated the service-time system the way the Cubs did with Bryant, then Heyward wouldn’t have been a free agent this offseason.
The Cardinals were willing to make him the highest-paid player in franchise history.
Gordon, 31, hit 13 home runs and 48 RBIs on a.271/.377/.432 slash line in 104 regular season games for the Royals last season. He was the National League’s Gold Glove Award-winner in right field.
Heyward is likely moving to center field in Chicago, which should help mitigate the experiment/potential disaster of Kyle Schwarber in left.
The Cubs swayed Heyward from the rival Cardinals, who are expected to pursue free-agent outfielder Alex Gordon, and the Nationals.
CBS Sports reported the Cubs have been in close contact with Heyward’s representatives consistently even after signing second baseman Ben Zobrist to a $56 million contract and adding veteran starter John Lackey. Yes, he is one of the very best defensive players in baseball.
Heyward has spent the overwhelming majority of his career in right field.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Derrick Goold reports that the Cardinals were aggressively pursuing Heyward, and offered him a contract that would have been the richest in club history. Is someone on the Cubs on the outside looking in?
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The Nationals made a late bid for Heyward.
