Chicago Cubs to sign Jason Heyward

Being touted as the market’s top free agent position player, 26 year old Jason Heyward has made his decision, choosing to sign with the Chicago Cubs on an eight-year deal worth $184 million, coming out to an annual value of $23 million.

Heyward is coming off of the best year of his career as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals, blasting 13 HR and driving in 60, good for an outstanding .293 batting average accompanied by a .359 OBP and his third career gold glove.

With elite defensive ability, along with being a reliable spark plug near the top of the lineup, Heyward gives the Cubs a reliable, top of the order hitter leading off what is already a very dangerous lineup. Heyward will most likely fit in as a right fielder or center fielder for the Cubs in 2016 and beyond, and would also fit well in the leadoff spot, most likely replacing Dexter Fowler, who held the spot in 2015.

The signing of Jason Heyward represents the third major splash Chicago has made in the free agent market, after agreeing to terms with utility player Ben Zobrist to a four year contract worth $56 million, along with signing veteran John Lackey to a two year deal worth $32 million. Heyward and Zobrist will

The acquisition also may spell another trade for Chicago, as current right fielder Jorge Soler has already been discussed in trade talks, and now may not have a spot in the starting lineup. Soler sparks interest from many teams, and the Cubs could potentially cash in on another starting pitcher or several relievers shall they choose to trade him.

Jason Heyward’s arrival in Chicago not only makes the Cubs a clear World Series contender in 2016, it reiterates the ability of Chicago’s front office, who landed Jon Lester last offseason, and have continued to make moves to improve what is already a very competitive team.