Believe it or not, the entire Chicago Cubs' outfield is far from settled for 2016. Jorge Soler has been the subject of trade rumors; Kyle Schwarber does not appear to be a capable everyday left fielder; and right now the team has no MLB-ready center fielder.
The Cubs don't have a plentiful crop to choose from in free agency, but it appears as if they're still doing their due diligence.
"The Cubs are 'busy' looking for a center fielder, according to a rival executive, and surely they will find one. But at the moment, their options are limited," writes FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.
"Free agent Dexter Fowler remains a possibility after declining the team's qualifying offer, but he currently is exploring the open market.
"The Cubs could sign free agent Jason Heyward to play center or right, but only if they traded Jorge Soler and addressed their rotation in a cost-efficient manner."
Fowler and Heyward are worlds apart in regards to what types of contracts they're expected to land. Many experts predict Fowler will land a four-year deal in the $60 million range while there seems to be a consensus that Heyward will ink a $200 million contract when all is said and done.
Fowler, 29, is clearly the more affordable option and he's also a center fielder, which solves that vacancy immediately. However, Heyward is one of the best defensive outfielders in the game, and although he's played an overwhelming majority of his career in right field, some have speculated he could be an everyday center fielder. But still, there's no guarantee, which is why Rosenthal suggested they'd move Soler to make room for Heyward.
"Heyward, though, remains a tantalizing target - rival execs say that Cubs president Theo Epstein has long admired the outfielder, who at 26 is that rare free agent entering his prime."
Additionally, although Heyward could land the second-largest contract of the offseason, it doesn't mean the Cubs would be on the hook for every dollar of it if they signed him. Due to Heyward's young age, it's almost a foregone conclusion his representation will negotiate an opt-out clause after at least three or four years, which means he'll likely exercise it (assuming he keeps producing at his current rate) and explore another long-term deal when the time comes.
Why not take a gamble and pay the 26-year-old during his prime and bank on the fact he'll opt out? He's only getting better and he's bound to excel offensively if he were to be a part of the potent Cubs' offense.
The Cubs been linked to starters Tyson Ross, Shelby Miller and Carlos Carrasco in trade rumors, so perhaps they'll acquire one of them and spend the big bucks on a player like Heyward, or at least be willing to sign Fowler if their options are exhausted. Since they passed on Price and are seemingly doing the same with Zack Greinke, they'll still have their spending power with the Winter Meetings coming up on Monday.
