Heyward to Cubs for less than $200M

[Enscheff]

Heyward’s contract guarantees him less than $185MM and is believed to be for eight years, reports Wittenmyer

Probably 8/184.

Wow, the Braves should have been in the mix if that's really all it took.

[clvclv]

"Only" $50 million more than the biggest contract in franchise history (Freeman). More than happy we passed.

[thewupk]

Probably 8/184.

Wow, the Braves should have been in the mix if that's really all it took.

He supposedly turned down more from the Nats. I honestly think it had a lot with their situation going forward.

[BRule]

"Only" $50 million more than the biggest contract in franchise history (Freeman). More than happy we passed.

LET'S GET IT STARTED...........IN HERRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE..................

That's what the Cubs got him for, you have no idea how much less we could have signed him for if had actually made a real attempt to sign him.

[striker42]

23 million a year is a much bigger commitment for a team like Atlanta than a team like the Cubs. I'm not sure Heyward is the guy I want to put that much money into. His production has never really matched up with his talent and there's not much reason to think it ever will. He's a very good player but I don't know if he's THE player. Also, while his defense is good, I don't buy his defense making him worthy of this. An elite center fielder who hits like this? Maybe. But RF is not really a premium defensive position.

[The Chosen One]

Probably 8/184.

Wow, the Braves should have been in the mix if that's really all it took.

After how much the team's been gutted and turned over, I doubt Heyward would've wanted to wait a few more years for John Johns to put a contending team out again.

[nsacpi]

After how much the team's been gutted and turned over, I doubt Heyward would've wanted to wait a few more years for John Johns to put a contending team out again.

In terms of finding a team that has the best chance to contend throughout the period of his contract, he couldn't have done better than the Cubs. A great young core and the financial resources to hold on to it and build around it.

[thewupk]

23 million a year is a much bigger commitment for a team like Atlanta than a team like the Cubs. I'm not sure Heyward is the guy I want to put that much money into. His production has never really matched up with his talent and there's not much reason to think it ever will. He's a very good player but I don't know if he's THE player. Also, while his defense is good, I don't buy his defense making him worthy of this. An elite center fielder who hits like this? Maybe. But RF is not really a premium defensive position.

What if the reports of Heyward playing center for the Cubs are true?

[thewupk]

After how much the team's been gutted and turned over, I doubt Heyward would've wanted to wait a few more years for John Johns to put a contending team out again.

I agree. Two offseasons ago I think they could have signed him to this deal while our core was still in tact but certainly not now.

[Russ2dollas]

Being reported as guaranteed money. I wonder if he's guaranteed 23 million but has reachable performance incentives to get more.

As far as Soler...I agree that he may not be what his tools add up to. If we could get him for a pitcher not named Newcombe or Sims I'd love it. Maybe they like Mallex. It will be interesting. It's true Soler hasn't done much yet but he has the tools.

The cubs and Braves just match up so well given the Cubs need for pitching up and down the system and they seem to have 5+ exciting OF prospects.

[Russ2dollas]

What if the reports of Heyward playing center for the Cubs are true?

they may be. Maybe they'll try it for a year.

Most evaluators I've seen think that we won't hold up physically in CF.

[TXBravesFan]

He's got two opt-outs, per Gammons.

[mossy]

I'm just glad he's not on the Cards or Nats. That's Christmas in and of itself.

The Cubs are going to be very interesting to watch to put it mildly...

[striker42]

What if the reports of Heyward playing center for the Cubs are true?

An elite defensive RF might end up being only a decent to good defensive center fielder. I think Heyward could stick there for a year or two but I agree with those who don't know how well he'd hold up there.

[striker42]

He's got two opt-outs, per Gammons.

Brilliant move! Play a few seasons in Wrigley, hopefully have it help boost your power numbers, become a FA again at 29 or so, and land an even bigger deal.

[The Chosen One]

He's got two opt-outs, per Gammons.

What a team player he is for us. He's allowing an option to wait for the Braves to be good again to opt out of his Cubs deal. Like LeBron, he will learn how to win with that dream team in Chicago, then come home and try and help us get a championship. If you weren't a fan of J-Hey kid before this should convert you now.

[clvclv]

LET'S GET IT STARTED...........IN HERRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE..................

That's what the Cubs got him for, you have no idea how much less we could have signed him for if had actually made a real attempt to sign him.

Unless it was the full $50 million, it wouldn't have been enough of a hometown discount.

And I thought all you folks believe that NOBODY'S going to sign with the Braves for less than market value. Going to laugh like *ell if Maddon puts him at the top of the lineup and he whines about it.

[thewupk]

An elite defensive RF might end up being only a decent to good defensive center fielder. I think Heyward could stick there for a year or two but I agree with those who don't know how well he'd hold up there.

At that point he could opt out so who knows. But yeah an elite defensvie RF should equate to a good defensive CF, although that's not always the case, and provide close to the same WAR.

[The Chosen One]

[thewupk]

lol at that image. baseballs best fans for sure