Chicago Cubs: Jason Heyward remains a key to this team’s future

Much of this offseason’s headlines will center around Bryce Harper. Regardless of whether or not the Chicago Cubs land him, Jason Heyward will be a huge piece.

With the Boston Red Sox up two games to none in the Fall Classic, a great many fans are already turning their attention to the upcoming offseason. With a free agent class loaded with franchise-altering talent, the Chicago Cubs and the other 29 teams are all licking their chops.

And who could blame them? This year’s free agent class includes Bryce Harper, Manny Machado and, potentially, Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw, who has an opt-out in his deal with L.A.

We know the Cubs, for their part, won’t stand pat. The days of talking about guys’ potential like some kind of half-baked pipe dream are over. Evaluations will be made based on performance, not promise. And that change in mindset could drastically alter what this roster looks like in 2019.

One guy you can pretty much guarantee takes the field on Opening Day 2019? Outfielder Jason Heyward, who is heading into year four of his eight-year, $184 million deal. You can forget about him exercising his opt-out clause in his deal. It’s not going to happen.

Knowing that, let’s look at what Heyward brings to Chicago moving forward.