Multiple reports state that the Cubs will sign free agent Justin Heyward.
This is a shocking development since the Cubs have been gerrymandering their books in order to sign Ben Zobrist and John Lackey.
It may go back to a comment made last week.
"We have a sense of urgency. We have a short championship window."
Jed Hoyer said that last week.
Talk about "the Plan" being turned inside out.
The front office has been frantic in their change in philosophy, spending
2015 "leftover" money (maybe the extra revenue from this post season),
deferring/back loading contracts and trading veterans for salary dumps.
Perhaps it is because Theo Epstein's contract expires in October 2016.
Perhaps the writing is on the wall that the Boom Revenue of 2020 is a mirage.
Perhaps because the Cubs won't be able to afford signing Bryant, Schwarber,
Soler and Russell.
And because the core of the pitching staff is on the downside of career
(Lester and Lackey) and one (Arrieta) who had an unrepeatable magical season.
One report said the Nationals offered Heyward $200 million. The Cub report says Heyward will sign for less than $200 million.
Analysts have had a wide range of opinions on Heyward's value, from a low of $100 million to a high end $192 million. It was reported that Heyward was looking for $24 million/season, money usually reserved for power hitters like Pujols and Cano (Heyward only hit .293, 13 HR, 60 RBI last year).
There is also an open question whether Heyward can play an expanded center field between slow footed, negative defenders Schwarber and Soler.
By coming to the Cubs, Heyward can hide in the shadows of other players such as Lester, Rizzo, Bryant and Schwarber.
And the Cubs have gone "all in" in 2016 so that may have convinced Heyward to sign with Chicago.
