By Chris Brown / STL Baseball Today | @cbrown_STLBBT | 12/10/15 11:37am, updated 12/11 8:51am
The latest on Jason Heyward, who’s expected to make a decision soon…
While #Nationals’ entry into Heyward sweepstakes created significant buzz, it is premature to call them the front-runner, sources say.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 11, 2015
Jason Heyward could sign soon. My column on where #Cubs, #STLCards and #Nats stand: https://t.co/p57vHpBtfF @FOXSports
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 11, 2015
Nats bid for Jason Heyward now being categorized as a serious threat to Cubs and Cardinals. Hard to bet against Lerners after Werth,Scherzer
— Jim Bowden (@JimBowdenGM) December 11, 2015
mystery solved: nats are a surprise entrant in Jason Heyward sweepstakes; cubs, cards also in. https://t.co/TJk129W8ck
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 10, 2015
*****
By Arturo Pardavila III / CC Image / No changes made
Original Story — 12/10 @ 11:37 am CT:
Reports: Heyward talks progressing, Cards and Cubs among finalists with decision expected shortly
The Jason Heyward saga could soon have a resolution, as sources tell Jon Morosi and Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports that talks on the 26-year-old are progressing and that the Cardinals and Cubs are among the finalists to sign the free agent outfielder, who’s reportedly seeking a ten-year deal in excess of $200 million.
Even after signing Ben Zobrist to a four-year, $56 million deal on Tuesday, the Cubs are remaining aggressive “appear willing” to play Jason Heyward in center field, Morosi reported Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, the Giants, who had also been known to have interest in Heyward, never tabled a formal offer to him, but expect the outfielder to make a decision Thursday, Andrew Baggarly of CSN Bay Area reports (twitter links).
When asked about the reports that Heyward will make a decision within the next day, Cardinals GM John Mozeliak told MLB.com’s Jenifer Langosch, “I wouldn’t know.”
Meanwhile, a few MLB executives in at the Winter Meetings in Nashville told CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman that they believe a decision could come within the next few days, meaning that while a conclusion may not be imminent, it does appear to be on the horizon.
Heyman also reports a mystery team could be in the mix for Heyward, and mentions the Angels as a team which has been in contact with his representatives.
The key question of the Cardinals’ offseason has been whether the club will be able to resign Heyward, who ranks as one of the top position players available on the free agent market. Acquired from the Braves in a trade last offseason, the 26-year-old hit .293/.359/.439 with 13 home runs and 60 RBIs in 154 games while winning his third Gold Glove Award for his excellent play in right field (22 defensive runs saved).
Stay tuned…
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