The Chicago Cubs offseason plan towards building a World Series roster has taken another step in the right direction. Outfielder Jason Heyward, the top hitter in free agency this offseason, will reportedly sign with the Chicago Cubs. Heyward was reportedly deciding between the Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals and Washington Nationals, before choosing the Cubs on Friday.
The 26-year-old Heyward was atop an outfield free agent market that included Yoenis Cespedes, Justin Upton and Alex Gordon. While he wasn't seen as the power-hitting corner outfielder like Cespedes or Upton, Heyward is a phenomenal defensive outfielder, can put up 15-15 seasons and slide near the top of the Cubs' lineup.
Financial details of the contract have not been released, though it is believed to be less money than the $200M contract Jon Heyman reported the Nationals offered to him. Cubs' reporter Gordon Wittenmyer, who broke the news, reported Heyward's deal with the Cubs is expected to be for less than $185 million over eight years.
For Chicago, their outfield projects to feature Heyward in center field, Jorge Soler in right field and Kyle Schwarber in left field. Heyward has played center field in 32 games as opposed to 795 games in right field. The Cubs could still seek an upgrade to their rotation and with teams across baseball interested in Soler, a possible Soler for starting pitcher trade could open up right field for Heyward.
While Chicago may run into some issues defensively, a lineup with Ben Zobrist, Heyward, Schwarber, Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, Addison Russell and Soler is full of run producers who can help Chicago boast one of the highest-scoring lineups in baseball.