While much of Saturday’s Cardinal Winter Warm-Up revolved around GM John Mozeliak being asked about a top-end pitcher there was some interesting information coming from newly acquired rightfielder, Jason Heyward. While either side is not rushing to negotiations, Heyward being open to discuss an extension is a good sign.
Heyward will be 26 when he hits free agency at the end of the season. His superior defense, combined with youth and on-base percentage will lead to a large contract for the former top-prospect. While his offense has been around average, he has shown a ceiling of 25-30 home runs in the past. Fangraphs, among other pundits, have speculated Heyward could earn figures of $200MM/8 years.
Each side appears to be interested in a ‘feeling out’ process before an extension would be discussed. It should not be assumed that because the Cardinals traded four seasons of player-control of Shelby Miller that they would want an extension. The team had pitching depth available to trade. This trade could allow for the development of Randal Grichuk or Stephen Piscotty to take over the position if there is no extension or Heyward doesn’t produce. While Heyward would be considered an expensive stop-gap for development, it could be the scenario. Heyward will certainly receive a qualifying offer, which would allow the Cardinals to receive a draft pick as compensation if he were to leave.
There was more information that came from Heyward that will benefit the Cardinals organization. In terms of extension talks with the Atlanta Braves, Heyward indicated that the Braves did not make much of an effort for an extension. Heyward told reporters that: “I was never opposed to staying.” He would then go on to tell reporters “There wasn’t a lot of time put in on their part, I feel like, getting to know me as a person and getting to know my mindset on it.” It is clear that Heyward felt slighted by the Braves organization. A lack of an attempt to sign the rightfielder could benefit the Cardinals if they can make him feel wanted and at home.
Financially speaking, the Cardinal organization has little money tied into the future. Only Adam Wainwright and Matt Carpenter have contracts that go beyond 2017. With so few financial commitments the team could structure their payroll around Heyward. While Holliday has a contract that goes into 2017, it is more likely the Cardinals exercise a $1MM buyout instead of paying him $17MM when he will likely not produce. The Holliday savings could help with a Heyward extension.
Contract extensions can become difficult for the player and management. In 2014 we saw the Red Sox offer a well-below market contract to Jon Lester before trading him to the Athletics. The trade made it easier for Lester to sign with a different team and get more money in the process. While each side doesn’t seem to be prepared to discuss figures, a low offer could see Heyward table conversations until the offseason and most likely testing free agency.
It appears we will have to wait and see what the Cardinals and Jason Heyward will do when it comes to an extension. The Cardinals have seemed hesitant to offer a superstar pitcher a contract beyond 5 seasons. Yet, we saw the team offer a 7 year deal to Matt Holliday. So a lengthy deal for an everyday player is hardly out of the question. With Heyward’s age it would not be unrealistic to see him get 8-10 years in length. But, we could also see the Cardinals offer a five year extension which would allow for Heyward to get another lucrative payday when is 31.
While talk of an extension seems very early the comments from Heyward should be considered positive. The team did trade a significant amount to acquire him. If Heyward can find his 2012 form offensive and combine it with his stellar defense he could be a top-5 player in an MVP discussion. Heyward has much to prove to the organization if he wants a hefty extension. The Cardinals have to show loyalty and a chance to discuss what Heyward wants for his career. A deal seems unlikely before Opening Day but the Cardinals will have the opportunity to sign him beyond that.
Sound off: Do you want to extend Heyward? If yes, why and for what type of contract? If no, why not? Comment here, Facebook or Twitter. Thanks for reading Arch City At Bat.
Around the league:
The Brewers and Rangers are supposedly close to a trade involving Yovani Gallardo. The return involved is not known at this time but it could mean that the Brewers are interested in James Shields, or a potential trade for Hamels, Price or a pitcher from the Nationals.
The Nationals have struck a deal with Max Scherzer for 7 years and an unknown number supposedly above $180MM. The Nationals were regarded as having the best pitching staff in the national league consisting of Jordan Zimmerman, Stephen Strasburg, Doug Fister, Gio Gonzalez and Tanner Roark. Adding Scherzer to that mix makes the rotation extremely deadly and the Nationals do not need to trade a pitcher to create space for Scherzer.
However, the team has Zimmerman, Fister, Denard Span and Ian Desmond entering free agency at the end of the season. Desmond is considered to be the heartbeat of the team and the Nationals will want to keep him around. We could see Zimmerman, Fister or even Strasburg traded in the coming weeks for a return of prospects.
