The Chicago Cubs are reportedly targeting outfielder Jason Heyward in free agency.
The Cubs were originally pursuing a starter but a shorter, cheaper deal for John Lackey means they could heavily invest in a position player of Heyward’s caliber, and sources tell Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times that the Cubs are chasing the 26-year-old outfielder.
Heyward is reportedly seeking an eight year deal worth upwards of $20 million annually, which should be attainable given his age, skillset, and the wide-ranging interest.
Wittenmyer says that a Heyward signing could make Jorge Soler expendable in a deal for another starting pitcher, possibly Atlanta’s Shelby Miller. He also reports that should a Heyward pursuit fail, the Cubs would look at other options such as Alex Gordon or Carlos Gomez.
