Chicago Cubs: Top Five Offseason Priorities
By Jason Evans
Fix Jason Heyward
Last offseason, the Chicago Cubs gave Jason Heyward an eight-year deal worth $184 million. They even threw in an opt-out after 2018 when it seems like the entire baseball world is going to be a free agent.
Heyward with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2015 put up respectable numbers. A .293 average with a .797 OPS, his highest average and OPS since 2012. He also won a Gold Glove.
That big contract is shaping more into a big albatross for the Cubs. Heyward has turned into a $184 million pinch-runner and defensive replacement in the postseason. During the season, he hit just .230 with a career worst .631 OPS. He lost his starting outfield job to Jorge Soler and Chris Coghlan during the playoffs.
Even Cubs skipper Joe Maddon says Heyward needs to work the kinks out with his swing.
"“By no means has anyone given up on him,” he said. “He just needs to clear his mind a little. When this is all (over), he’ll go back to the drawing board.”"
Not exactly a ringing endorsement, but the truth. If the Cubs are going to continue to be pennant contenders, Heyward needs to step his game up offensively. Otherwise, he’ll just be a sunk cost.