Chicago Cubs Rumors: Cubs Pursuing Jason Heyward in MLB Free Agency to Play Center Field

The Chicago Cubs rumors are flying and they are reportedly pursuing Jason Heyward in MLB Free Agency to play center field. Theo Epstein loves Heyward and has been targeting him since the season ended.

Heyward is interested in joining the Cubs, although there are plenty of other teams in the market to sign him. He is likely looking for a 10-year contract that will pay him around $200 million. If the Cubs are willing to go to that length and price range, there is a good chance that they will end up being the front-runners to sign him.

At just 26 years old, there is no question that Heyward is worth the type of money that it would take to get him.

According to a report from Jon Morosi on Twitter, the Cubs do want to play him in center field. That isn't all that surprising, as Heyward is a very athletic outfielder with one of the strongest arms in baseball.

#Cubs remaining aggressive after Ben Zobrist signing. They appear willing to play Jason Heyward in CF if they can reach a deal with him.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 10, 2015

Throughout the 2015 season with the St. Louis Cardinals, Heyward ended up compiling a .293 batting average to go along with a 13 home runs and 60 RBI's. Those numbers show why he is more than worthy of a pay raise. He came through with clutch at bats when the Cardinals needed them and was a huge leader for the team as well.

If the Cubs were able to sign him, it would be yet another huge addition to what has been a near perfect offseason.

Signing John Lackey was a huge addition for their starting pitching, which is where Epstein wanted to upgrade first and foremost. Next up was the addition of Ben Zobrist, who will add veteran leadership and a consistent bat. Then they traded Starlin Castro to the New York Yankees and added pitcher Adam Warren.

All of these moves have helped shore up the areas that the Cubs struggled at the end of last season. Heyward would be the replacement for Dexter Fowler, who looks likely to leave in free agency.

Expect to hear plenty more rumors come out about the Cubs and it wouldn't be surprising if they end up landing Heyward on a huge contract when everything is said and done.