Free agent right fielder Jason Heyward, the “J-Hey Kid,” agreed to sign with the Chicago Cubs this past weekend, beating out the Washington Nationals and the St. Louis Cardinals. The contract is for eight years worth $184 million. This will pay him $23 million a year. What are the Cubs getting in Jason Heyward?
The Chicago Cubs are Heyward’s third team. He has played for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Atlanta Braves. In his career he averages .268 with 97 home runs and 352 RBI’s. Last season, Heyward hit .293 with 13 homeruns and 60 RBI’s. He is not a power hitter, but still gets on base and moves runners around. He had his career best 27 home runs in 2012. That is the only time he hit over 20 home runs. The Cubs didn’t need another bat in the lineup. They already have Kyle Schwarber, Jorge Soler, Anthony Rizzo, and Kris Bryant. All of them are power hitters who hit home runs.
A three time Gold Glove winner, the Cubs signed him because of his defense. Heyward hardly misses a fly ball in the outfield that is hit his way. He has a strong arm for a ball hit deep. He can field it and throw runners out on third base.
Heyward is also a veteran presence on the bench, even though he is only 26. Hayward is the player who the Cubs needed. He has been to the playoffs four times in his career, including last year. That experience is difficult to replicate. The Cubs are hoping his presence in the locker room will help them not only win the N.L. Central but also go further than the NLCS. Sure they are overpaying for Heyward, but it’s still a risk worth taking if they want to become World Series Champions.
What do you think of the Cubs agreeing to a contract with Jason Heyward?
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