It's 100 percent certain that the Chicago Cubs aren't going to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on a top-flight pitcher such as David Price or Zack Greinke since both are off the market now. Along that logic, rumors have surfaced recently that the Cubs may look to get the best outfielder in free agency in the 26-year-old Jason Heyward. While he would certainly improve the team, he may be too pricey; and with reports of Javier Baez putting in time at center field in the Puerto Rican League, does that mean the Cubs aren't chasing this free-agent option?
The news of Baez putting in work at center field was announced earlier today by President Theo Epstein, saying "it will be fun to take a look at him." Although that doesn't scream starting center-fielder expectations in 2016 for Baez, it doesn't rule out the possibility either.
He's clearly a good enough athlete to play out there; the question is whether he feels comfortable enough at the position to play it every day, or at least in a platoon situation.
As for the Heyward rumors, I'd find it hard to believe that Epstein would put too much money into one position player. We've seen past examples with Albert Pujols and Robinson Cano where they signed monster contracts and then didn't really live up to the expectations, at least so far. Analysts speculate it would take a similar type of nine- or 10-year deal to lock up Heyward this offseason, ranging from $180-220 million.
Rather than spending that much money on one guy, a player who isn't even an ace or at least a major run producer, wouldn't it make more sense for the Cubs to re-sign Dexter Fowler or maybe bring in Denard Span to start, and then have the versatility to use Baez as a spot starter here and there both in the outfield and infield? Fowler is projected to be available for four years and $60 million while Span could be had for three years, $39 million.
Ultimately, that may be the best route to go, especially considering the need for adding another pitcher to go along with the signing of John Lackey earlier today. Signing Heyward to such a massive deal could really hinder the Cubs' financial situation, which has been one of their organizational strengths up to this point under the regime of Epstein and Tom Ricketts.
The effort of Baez to be a team player and increase his skill-set for the betterment of the club is applaudable, and Cubs fans have to hope he becomes a real option out there for the team this season.
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