Have we ever made this many transactions before the winter meetings or gm meetings?
The GM meetings were last week.
Just so happens to coincide with the point that the brass realized this was the best offer they were getting for Heyward without a window to extend him (not to mention one that wouldn't have concluded with Jason signing an 8 year deal).
For those that have ignored the Cardinals' side of things, Mozeliak has said ALL DAY that they looked at the deal as a short-term fix.
They wouldn't give Pujols $240 million, if you think they've suddenly become an organization that values Heyward's defense almost as much as Pujols' offense and are willing to drop $180+ million to keep him, there's not much anyone can help you with.