Chicago Cubs’ Jason Heyward rumors seem far-fetched and improbable

There have been rumors floating around about the Chicago Cubs unloaded Jason Heyward and his contract. So far, they’ve been pretty unrealistic.

The World Series is yet to be decided and, already, the Chicago Cubs have fans more anxious than they’ve been in a good long while. Theo Epstein shook up the coaching staff in a big way and, more likely than not, are far from done.

Former Tampa Bay pitching coach Jim Hickey is expected to be named to Joe Maddon‘s staff Monday. Maddon’s bench coach, Dave Martinez, continues to find himself rumored as the front-runner for the Washington Nationals’ managerial vacancy.

That actually makes a lot of sense. Ownership in D.C. refuses to spend big money on a long-term answer in the dugout. So, for the same reason someone like Joe Girardi makes no sense for the Nationals, someone like Martinez – who has never managed a big-league team – seems like a far likelier option.

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But this isn’t about the coaching staff. We got into that a bit earlier this week and will continue to weigh in on any changes in the future. Let’s focus on the roster.

While pitching will take center stage this winter (40 percent of the starting rotation is likely to be gone) via either free agency or retirement), there’s plenty of other things to discuss regarding position players.

Who will back up Willson Contreras? Who handles the ninth inning for Maddon? So on and so forth.

But what about Jason Heyward? In recent days on 670 AM The Score and on social media, I’ve heard a lot about the Cubs mulling over the outfielder’s future.

And, to be frank, I don’t understand what the team could accomplish by moving the four-time Gold Glove winner. Granted, his contract is an albatross because of his issues at the plate. Why? Probably because of the ideas I’ve heard floated around.

Marlins are shedding payroll – so they’ll want Heyward?

Derek Jeter and the new ownership group in Miami have been clear: they’re slashing payroll, perhaps by even as much as $50 million. The easiest way to get that process started? Trade the reigning home run leader, Giancarlo Stanton.

Here’s where it gets sideways, so bear with me.

With a young core ready to contend for the next few years already in-place, adding a bat like Stanton to the middle of the Cubs’ order is an enticing thought. But it effectively crushes the dream of bringing Bryce Harper to the North Side after next season. That’s not the point, though.

To land Stanton, suppose the Cubs offered up Heyward, Ian Happ, Kyle Schwarber and a young pitching prospect. A steep cost for a guy who just eclipsed 150 games in a season for the second time in his career. And, more importantly, it does not help the Marlins achieve their payroll-slashing goal. In any way, shape or form.

But, sure. Go ahead and run with that.

Another rumors that’s at least possible

Another potential ‘landing spot’ for Heyward is rumored to be the San Francisco Giants – strangely enough, a team viewed as a front-runner for Stanton’s services if Miami does indeed move him.

The deal I heard tossed about centers around Heyward going to the Bay in exchange for closer Mark Melancon and right-hander Jeff Samardzija. The premise for this deal centers around a swap of unsavory contracts.

Melancon, signed to solidify the ninth inning for the Giants, is entering the second year of his four-year, $62 million deal signed before the 2017 season. Samardzija, a former Cub, has three years and around $60 million left on his deal, as well.

Heyward could help patrol the cavernous alleys in AT&T Park, but, if you’re asking me, I want no part of this deal. Melancon put up a 1.433 WHIP this year for San Francisco and Samardzija isn’t more than a middle-to-back end starter at this point in his career.

Next: Breaking down Theo's best deals - so far

Anyone hungry for some Chili?

Chicago just brought in a hitting coach who specializes in plate approach and situational hitting. Let’s not be hasty in jettisoning Heyward. He brings superb defensive abilities and leadership to the table. Let’s give Chili Davis an opportunity to right the ship.

If he can get Heyward going at the plate, this Cubs lineup takes on a much deeper look in not only 2018, but for years to come.