Heyward spurns Cardinals to agree US$184 million contract with bitter rivals Cubs
NEW YORK: Jason Heyward switched sides in one of the game’s most heated rivalries, leaving the St Louis Cardinals to sign an eight-year, US$184 million contract with the Chicago Cubs, a mega-deal that shakes up the National League Central and continues the Cubs’ aggressive efforts to win a World Series.
A person with direct knowledge of the negotiations told USA TODAY Sports that Heyward has agreed to terms with the Cubs. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement has not yet been finalised.
His addition gives the Cubs a premier defensive outfielder, though for now, Heyward will be slated to play centre field when he’s typically more suited for a corner position. Still, flanked by power hitting Kyle Schwarber and Jorge Soler, Heyward gives the Cubs a loaded outfield and solid line-up presence.
Heyward was in the rare position of hitting the market at 26 years old, and he may yet develop more power than the 13 homers he hit this season for St Louis, or the career-high 27 he slugged in 2012, with the Atlanta Braves.
He also has a career .353 on-base percentage which, combined with the acquisition of Ben Zobrist (.355 career OBP), gives the Cubs admirable plate discipline in a line-up surrounded by mashers like Rookie of the Year Kris Bryant, Schwarber and All-Star first baseman Anthony Rizzo.
The Chicago-Sun Times first reported the Cubs had landed Heyward, choosing them over the Cardinals and Washington Nationals.
So, where does that leave the Cardinals? A person familiar with the Cardinals’ thinking indicated they will heavily pursue Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon, who figures to command about half the years and dollars as Heyward. Gordon, too, is an elite left fielder, but at 31, his best offensive days are behind him.
Heyward’s signing finally loosens the deep market for left fielders, as Gordon, Yoenis Cespedes and Justin Upton now have a far better idea of their potential landing places. The Cardinals, San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Angels are among the clubs expected to remain aggressive in pursuit of left fielders.
It also gives the Cubs an enviable young core: Six of their eight projected position players will be 26 or younger on Opening Day.