Cubs among finalists for outfielder Jason Heyward

Free agent slugger Jason Heyward is now one of the hottest commodities on the market, and throughout the course of the past few days, it seems as if the rival Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals would be in a monster bidding war for his services. Signing Lackey and super utilityman Ben Zobrist gives the Cubs a veteran veneer to go with the young stars in the system.

Heyward, who won’t turn 27 years old until August 9, could reportedly get a contract in the neighborhood of 10 years.

With John Lackey in the fold at a reasonable two-year, $32 million deal, the Chicago Cubs now have some extra spending money in their search for a centerfielder.

The tone changed between now and last month’s GM meetings in South Florida, where the Cubs sounded a lot more pessimistic about adding big-ticket items, anxious about their immediate financial flexibility and the drag of another megadeal on their future payrolls. His Gold Glove defense could play in center field for at least a year and his on-base skills would complement Zobrist’s knack for grinding out at-bats at the top of a lineup that already includes All-Stars Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant. We want them to do it regardless of what their reservations are.

There is no doubt the Cubs would be the team to beat in the NL Central and probably the entire National League if Heyward were to join them.

The heavily pursued Zobrist left money on the table from at least two teams to take the Cubs’ offer (the Nationals were believed to be the high bidder at $60 million).

For the Cubs, the Jorge Soler market is as fluid as ever.

While Heyward has been connected to the Cardinals and Cubs, both clubs known to be seeking outfield help, the Angels and Giants could also be in the mix. “Whenever they do have additional dollars, they let us know about it. That’s kind of been the dialogue this winter”. “You have a budget number”. Suffice to say, they have been really cooperative.