The Chicago Cubs surprised the MLB when they entered the bidding late for Ben Zobrist and landed him on a four-year contract. They did it again today, as rumors indicate they've agreed to a deal with outfielder Jason Heyward.
Here's the latest on the development:
"The Cubs won the bidding for top free agent outfielder Jason Heyward, according to multiple sources, the Gold Glove right fielder choosing the Cubs over the Cardinals and Nationals," writes Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times.
"Terms of the contract were not immediately known, but the 26-year-old free agent was said to have a $200 million offer on the table for at least seven or eight years. The Cubs are not believed to have been the highest bidder for their top free agent target."
Wittenmyer just reported the deal is believed to be for eight years and less than $185 million. Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports says the deal is for eight years and $184 million. MLB Insider Peter Gammons says Heyward will get two opt-out clauses and Jesse Rogers of ESPNChicago.com says the first one comes after three years.
FOX Sports' Rosenthal adds Heyward can opt out after years three or four depending on if he exceeds the agreed plate appearance thresholds.
Wittenmyer was the first to report the agreement and others such as Jon Heyman of CBS Sports and FOX Sports' Jon Morosi confirmed the report.
Morosi even added the Cubs are still trying to trade for a starting pitcher.
Heyward was reportedly being pursued by the Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals and Washington Nationals based on rumors from last night. The Nationals were said to have been the "mystery team" in pursuit of the outfielder as they entered the bidding late and reportedly offered him $200 million.
The 26-year-old is arguably the top outfielder in free agency and was said to have been seeking a deal for eight or nine years at about $24 million per season. Prior to that report from yesterday, it was widely believed the youngster could land a 10-year, $200 million contract.
Heyward is certainly capable of playing center field, which is where the Cubs perhaps have their biggest void, but the team is said to be fielding offers for right fielder Jorge Soler in their quest to acquire another starter. Even if Soler were to stay, it appears as if Heyward would open the season in center unless the team were to add another outfielder such as Denard Span or Dexter Fowler.
However, Wittenmyer says Heyward "signed to play center field."
Chicago will lose two draft picks to the St. Louis Cardinals for signign John Lackey last week and Heyward today since both players were presented with the qualifying offer.
Click here for earlier updates on the race for Heyward. Earlier today it was said the Cardinals and Nationals were either "out" on Heyward or were not optimistic about their chances.
