Jason Heyward Chooses to Sign with Chicago Cubs: Fantasy Fallout

The Chicago Cubs made another big splash in the free agent pool. The team signed top outfield free agent Jason Heyward to add depth to their outfield.

The Chicago Cubs are doing everything in their power to make sure they win the National League Central and get back to the playoffs. Mere days after signing utility player Ben Zobrist and veteran pitcher John Lackey, the Cubs raised a lot of eyebrows by being able to sign Jason Heyward to an eight-year deal. He’ll add to the Cubs outfield depth chart and could be a big player for Chicago in 2016.

Heyward was a solid player in his five years with the Atlanta Braves. In 681 games, he hit 84 home runs, 292 RBI and .262 with 63 stolen bases. Before the 2015 season began, he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. He played 154 games and hit 13 home runs, 60 RBI and .293 with 23 stolen bases. He finished as the 17th-best outfielder and 53rd player overall on the Player Rater.

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Now, Jason Heyward moves northeast to play with the better Chicago team. Yes, the Cubs are better than the Chicago White Sox. He will join a crowded group of outfielders. Chris Coghlan, Jorge Soler, Chris Denorfia and Kyle Schwarber all spent significant time in the outfield. The Cubs did let some outfielders go, but there still isn’t an obvious role of Heyward.

There have been rumors that the Cubs are willing to put Soler over Schwarber on the trading block in order to bolster the rotation. However, that will leave an opening in center field. Heyward started just 30 games in center field throughout his career, so it isn’t an easy plug-and-play for center field.

On the surface it may not mean much, but Jason Heyward’s defensive ability is likely another reason the Cubs went after him. According to Fangraphs, Heyward leads all Major Leaguers, at any position, with 119 Defensive Runs Saved since entering the league in 2010, six runs better than his former teammate Andrelton Simmons.

This helps the Cubs pitchers greatly. Having a great defender in the outfield will help prevent doubles and triples. Jake Arrieta and company are likely smiling at this signing.

While the power numbers have been on a bit of a decline, averaging 13 home runs over the last three seasons, he has been able to drop his strikeout totals from 152 in 2012 to only 90 in 2015. His .293 average is the outlier in his six-year career. He is a career .270 hitter, but now in a better lineup hitting either head or behind Schwarber and Anthony Rizzo, he could have a repeat .290 season.

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Jason Heyward has been looked at as a top-20 outfielder throughout his career. I think that is more certain for 2016. He is hitting for a better team in a division he played in last year. There is potential for a 20/20 season again, but don’t be disappointed if he gets you just 15 home runs.

Projections: 148 hits, 14 HR, 62 RBI, 21 stolen bases, .282 batting average

Draft: Round 9