Cubs sign Heyward, favored to win WS
The Cubs made one of the biggest splashes in free agency on Friday and their odds to win the 2016 World Series have soared because of the move.
The Cubs signed former Cardinals outfielder Jason Heyward to an eight-year, $184 million contract that contains two opt-out clauses. He’ll have the ability to opt out after year three or year four of the deal based on whether he exceeds certain plate appearance thresholds. But that’s down the road. For now, he makes Chicago a legit World Series contender.
After signing Heyward, Ben Zobrist and another former Cardinal in John Lackey, the Cubs are 8/1 favorites to win the 2016 World Series according to oddsmakers from online sports book Mybookie.ag. Chances are the Cubs aren’t done making moves either, as they could trade for more pitching help by unloading Jorge Soler to make room for Heyward. Or, they could play Heyward in centerfield and leave Soler in right.
The Cubs lost in the NLCS last season but are poised to make another postseason run in 2016. Even though the Cardinals won 100 games last season, an argument can be made that Chicago is now the team to beat in the NL Central. We’ll see what GM John Mozeliak and St. Louis has up their sleeve after losing out on both Heyward and free agent David Price. The Cardinals need to make multiple moves to keep pace in an already competitive division.
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