Dec. 12--The Cubs gave their World Series-thirsty supporters the biggest of numerous gifts Friday at the expense of their long-standing rival.
In agreeing to terms on an eight-year, $184 million contract with 26-year-old outfielder Jason Heyward, the Cubs completed their fourth major acquisition during an eight-day span while further weakening a Cardinals team that has won three consecutive National League Central titles.
The Cubs didn't confirm the deal, the largest in their history, as Heyward must pass a physical before it becomes official. But a source confirmed the agreement, adding that the Cubs sold the multitalented Heyward on their future and the chance to play a significant role in winning their first World Series since 1908.
For now, the Cubs also have weakened the Cardinals, who lost 13-game winner John Lackey to them as well when the free-agent starter agreed to a two-year, $32 million deal Dec. 4.
At baseball's winter meetings Tuesday, the Cubs signed All-Star utility player Ben Zobrist to a four-year, $56 million contract and acquired pitcher Adam Warren from the Yankees for expendable second baseman Starlin Castro within a one-hour span.
That momentum obviously carried into the tail end of the negotiations with Heyward, a three-time Gold Glove winner playing right field who possesses a lifetime .353 on-base percentage.
Although many observers seem surprised that the 6-foot-5, 245-pound Heyward has hit more than 18 home runs only once in his six-year career with the Braves and Cardinals, the Cubs obviously believe his best days are ahead.
Heyward is a career .311 hitter at Wrigley Field, where for now he's expected to take over for free agent Dexter Fowler in center field. Heyward also may bat leadoff, a role he fulfilled during parts of his five years with the Braves. In 126 games batting leadoff, Heyward has hit .280 with a .354 on-base percentage.
Heyward's ability to get on base should enhance RBI opportunities for Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber -- who all are 26 or younger.
Heyward leads major-league outfielders with 122 runs saved since 2010 and his baserunning skills are expected to please manager Joe Maddon, who places a premium on those talents.
Being part of a talented and youthful lineup was another reason why Heyward was swayed toward the Cubs instead of the Cardinals and Nationals.
One source said Heyward turned down $200 million from the Nationals to sign with the Cubs, and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Heyward rejected a similar financial offer from the Cardinals.
Despite the silence from the front office, numerous Cubs players expressed their jubilation on Twitter.
"Even though I might have to change my number (22), I'm perfectly okay with that," Russell tweeted. "I just wanna help fly that #W."
Bryant tweeted: "Lackey, Zobrist J-Hey. Cubbies comin in hot!!"
Since taking over baseball operations before the 2012 season, Cubs President Theo Epstein has stressed building sustained success. But the recent signings reflect some urgency, especially after the Cubs surprised many baseball observers when they won 97 games and advanced to the National League Championship Series before the Mets swept them in four games.
Heyward's contract includes two opt-out clauses, with the first as soon as after 2018 or 2019 depending on plate appearance thresholds.
In structuring the contract, the Cubs believe Heyward will be able to achieve the greatness forecast for him after the Braves took him as the 14th overall selection in the 2007 amateur draft.
Heyward hit a career-high 27 home runs in 2012 with the Braves, although 18 of those homers were hit away from spacious Braves Field.
In his contract year with the Cardinals last summer, Heyward hit a career-high .293 with a .359 on-base percentage to go with 13 home runs, 60 RBIs and 23 stolen bases in 154 games despite batting in an injury-depleted lineup.
The creatively-structured contracts of Lackey and Zobrist, thanks in part to the cooperation of the Cubs business operation along with a mega local television contract expected to crystallize before the 2020 season, made it possible for the Cubs to acquire Heyward.
And with Heyward coming aboard, the Cubs may not be done. A source said numerous clubs have inquired about right fielder Jorge Soler, with the Braves, Rays and Indians among the most interested, and the Cubs still desire more starting pitching.
With 2015 National League Cy Young Award winner Jake Arrieta eligible for free agency after 2017 and Lackey's contract expiring at the same time, the Cubs would like another starting pitcher under team control for several seasons.
mgonzales@tribpub.com
