I figured I’d take a break from the big-known free agents and mention someone here who might, in my opinion, genuinely be able to be a helpful bench player for the Cubs as we approach the holiday weekend. I do believe it’s at least worth contemplating, even though you may think this is a ridiculous season.
Jason Heyward signed an eight-year, $184 million contract before the 2016 season, so his seven years with the Cubs were not what any of us had hoped for. Although he did earn two Gold Gloves while playing for the Cubs, his highest season’s bWAR was only 2.4, far less than the roughly 6 bWAR he averaged prior to signing with Chicago. And one speech in the clubhouse that was quite significant.
To refresh your memory, Heyward was signed by the Dodgers and received the minimum pay after the Cubs dismissed him with one year remaining on his deal. As a fourth outfielder in Los Angeles, he batted.269/.340/.473 (90-for-334) with 15 home runs in 124 games, having an excellent season. That all added up to 1.9 bWAR.
According to MLB Trade Rumours, Tauchman will receive $2 million in arbitration payments in 2024. Heyward has already made his generational wealth, so I would assume the Cubs could sign him for roughly that amount. Why would Heyward be thinking about it? The linked article states that earlier this year, he built the Jason Heyward Baseball Academy in Chicago, a community centre that provides “education, wellness, and sports opportunities.” His wife’s family is from the Chicago area, and when he left, he made it clear that he would be settling there.
Heyward is Tauchman’s senior by one year. At that cost, would a reunion with Heyward be worthwhile? Alternatively, would you like to hold onto Tauchman in the hopes that he may repeat his respectable 2.4 bWAR 2023 season? Naturally, Tauchman has ties to Chicago as well; he attended Bradley University for his college education after growing up in Palatine and attending Fernd High School.
Perhaps this is just a pointless conversation starter as we approach the long weekend. Or perhaps something is at play here. With Jason Heyward, wouldn’t it be exciting for the Cubs to claim a second World Series ring?
