By Chris Brown – STL Baseball Today
As many described the offseason trade to acquire outfielder Jason Heyward and reliever Jordan Walden from the Braves in exchange for young pitchers Shelby Miller and Tyrell Jenkins, it was trade of necessity (for an outfielder) in which the Cardinals dealt from an area of strength (starting pitching).
The deal was criticized by many in the early months of the season, with Miller pitching extremely well, Walden landing on the DL, and Heyward struggling at the plate. However, after a cold start, Heyward, who just turned 26 on Sunday, picked up the pace in the summer months, raising his average to .286 to go along with 9 home runs, 37 RBI, and 18 stolen bases.
Although his contract is set to expire at the end of the season, the two-time Gold Glove right fielder indicated to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that an extension is not likely to be reached during the regular season.
“There have not been substantive talks about an extension” and “no pressure from either side to hasten a deal even if it means seeing him reach the open market in November,” Goold wrote.
That’s something Heyward said he’s completely on board with:
“At this point, I think both sides are OK with that, OK with where things are right now. Both sides want to make sure everybody is happy. That’s really what they’ve been asking me about the whole time. ‘Hey, you like it here? Hey, you comfortable?’ They want to make sure I feel at home, make sure I can be myself, and that’s been their focus. They’ve allowed me the time to fit in. That has meant a lot.”
One of the best defensive outfielders in baseball, Heyward has shown the offensive upside he possesses this season. With many seasons of prime production still likely in the years to come, he’s undoubtedly in line for a big payday. The two sides appear to be willing to wait until the offseason to examine the market before making a decision.
The Cardinals would receive draft pick compensation if Heyward turns down a qualifying offer to sign elsewhere in the offseason.
Feature image used under Creative Commons by Arturo Pardavila III. No changes made. Image license.
