Reports: Chicago Cubs will sign outfielder Jason Heyward

[Pumped Up Kicks]

Free-agent outfielder Jason Heyward will sign with the Chicago Cubs,

Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times first reported the news. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports confirmed the report, adding that Heyward will sign for less than $200 million, which is what the Nationals reportedly were offering.

Heyward, 26, chose the Cubs over returning to the St. Louis Cardinals, with whom he hit .293 with 13 home runs, 60 RBIs and 23 stolen bases in 2015 after being acquired from the Braves in an off-season trade. He also won his third Gold Glove award playing right field.

The Los Angeles Angels also reportedly expressed interest in Heyward, and the Washington Nationals were reported to have made a late run at him.

In addition to poaching a key player from a rival team, the Cubs are looking for Heyward to fill the void left by the departure of centerfielder Dexter Fowler. Chicago's front office has been active this off-season, signing former Cardinals starting pitcher John Lackey to a two-year, $32 million deal and former Royals infielder Ben Zobrist to a four-year, $56 million deal. Shortstop Starlin Castro was traded to the New York Yankees.

It remains to be seen whether Heyward will slot into right or centerfield for the Cubs. He has made just 30 starts in center in his six-year career.

Chicago finished last season 97–65 and made a run to the National League Championship Series, defeating division rivals Pittsburgh and St. Louis in the wild card game and division series, respectively. The Cubs were swept by the New York Mets in the NLCS.

Source: SI.com

 

[Lynch Mob]

Cardinals fans are beside themselves. If anyone gets bored, check out Twitter for the Heyward hate fest.