MLB Free Agency: Who will exercise their opt-out clause?
Jason Heyward-RF, Chicago Cubs
Jason Heyward, World Champion with the Chicago Cubs, can leave the team and sign elsewhere this offseason if that’s what he decided to do.
It’s not looking like he will, though.
With over $100 million left on his contract through the 2023 season, he’s poised to stay with Chicago for a while. He does have another opt-out after the 2019 season, but only if he reaches 550 plate appearances (something an injury can easily stand in the way of).
That said, does it make sense for him to stay in Chicago?
Bleacher Report has reported that the Cubs, Dodgers, and Yankees are the favorites to sign All-Star right fielder Bryce Harper in free agency this winter. Should he land with the Cubs (to play on the same team as fellow Las Vegas native, Kris Bryant) it would hinder Heyward’s regularity in right.
Heyward could opt-out, it can be argued that he should opt-out, but the thing about opt-outs is that it is entirely up to the player and their families. Heyward could opt-out, but does he want to risk his career as a Cub over the possibility that they sign the Nationals slugger?
Probably not.