Chicago Cubs: Outfielder Jason Heyward has arrived to training camp early

As soon as the Chicago Cubs were eliminated from the National League Championship Series by the New York Mets, everybody knew how busy they were going to be during the offseason.

It was a surprise to hear that center fielder Dexter Fowler rejected a qualifying offer, who until this day, is still without a team. There have been several clubs interested in his services, including the Cubs despite having Jason Heyward on the roster.

I’d say there’s a slim chance of him returning to the North Side of Chicago, so it may come down to either the Los Angeles Angels depending on how serious the Chicago White Sox get later on.

Now, last season, veteran southpaw and first-year Cub, Jon Lester was the first player to report to training camp in Mesa, Arizona. He loaded up his truck and informed his followers on Twitter that he was headed West.

And he did the exact same thing this season.

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Something that stood out to not only the team but to the fans as well. This proved how serious he was about leading this team to a World Series title — just needs to tweak a few things to improve in 2016.

Mainly his pick-off move and him not being comfortable with throwing over to first. Lester had a few hiccups last season and nearly almost every team took advantage of runners on the bases whenever he was on the mound.

Surely, second-year skipper Joe Maddon will have him working with a few guys, including Heyward, when it comes to these issues. Who knows, maybe both men will get a head start.

The man who signed a massive eight-year contract this past offseason arrived at training camp 10 days early according to CBS Chicago. As you all know, pitchers and catchers are not expected to report to camp until Feb. 18 while position players are scheduled to arrive on Feb. 21.

With Cactus League play just around the corner, time feels as if it’s starting to come to a crawl. We’ve watched this team get stronger throughout the offseason and raised the bar after a spectacular 2015 campaign.

And am I the only one who noticed how great No. 22 looks in Cubbie Blue?