CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs netted arguably the best outfielder available on the free-agent market in agreeing to terms with Jason Heyward, though the team has not confirmed the signing.
The reason: The Cubs loved the idea of picking up a 26-year-old in his prime instead of the usual 30-or-older free agent. And Heyward’s strengths play into the Cubs' weaknesses from a season ago, as he’s one of the best defensive outfielders in the game while bringing a career .353 on-base percentage to the plate. His strikeout-to-walk ratio is less than 2-to-1, which will play well at the top of the Cubs' lineup -- especially combined with fellow newcomer Ben Zobrist. He was the right player at the right age at the right time for the Cubs.
The impact: If Heyward does indeed move to center field, his impact on the team will be even greater. The Cubs were weak in the outfield on defense, and even though center has not been his main position, he’s bound to be an improvement. If the Cubs trade right fielder Jorge Soler, then Heyward will undoubtedly move back to right, where he’s won three Gold Gloves. While other teams have wrestled with his lack of home run punch, the Cubs won’t need Heyward to take a single at-bat in the middle of the lineup, as they have plenty of power in the form of Kyle Schwarber, Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant. The Cubs' Opening Day lineup looks dynamic. This is just one version of what manager Joe Maddon can pencil in on a given day:
Ben Zobrist, 2B
Jason Heyward, CF
Anthony Rizzo, 1B
Kris Bryant, 3B
Kyle Schwarber, LF
Jorge Soler, RF
Addison Russell, SS
Jake Arrieta, P