Jesus Creed
The Chicago Cubs capped a stunning eight days by agreeing to terms on a multi-year contract with prized free agent outfielder Jason Heyward, a source said Friday.
The signing of Heyward, 26, a three-time Gold Glove outfielder who is a lifetime .311 hitter at Wrigley Field, caps a furious push by the Cubs in their quest to win the World Seriesand achieve sustained success.
During an eight-day span, the Cubs signed free agent pitcher John Lackey and super utility player Ben Zobrist, acquired pitcher Adam Warren from the Yankees in a trade for Starlin Castro and agreed to terms with Heyward.
The 6-foot-5, 245-pound Heyward is a lifetime .268 hitter and has hit more than 18 home runs only once in six seasons, but the Cubs are banking on his upside and fortifying a lineup with Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber and Addison Russell – whom all are 26 or younger.
The Cubs swayed Heyward from the rival Cardinals, who are expected to pursue free agent outfielder Alex Gordon, and the Nationals.
Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, but the Cubs’ finances were expected to be enhanced by a lucrative local television contract after 2020.
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