Chicago Cubs: Moving money around won’t be easy for the front office

Chicago Cubs: Will the 2016 signings be moved? Don’t count on it

Heyward is set to make $118.5 million over the next five years of his contract, and despite still being an excellent defensive right fielder, his shortcomings at the plate in recent years (not to mention the money) severely hamper his value.

Zobrist would be far more appealing to a number of clubs. He is in the final year of his contract and will make just $12.5 million one year after hitting .305 with a 123 wRC+ and 3.6 fWAR. Aside from his versatility, the veteran’s professionalism would make him a welcome addition for any club in need of leadership.

But the Cubs are also in dire need of that very same leadership quality that Zobrist carries, as Epstein has professed as of late. Moving the former World Series MVP would seem counterintuitive.

Chicago would likely welcome a trade partner for Heyward, but not many teams are likely to come calling for a (soon to be) 30-year-old right fielder coming off of a 99 wRC+ plus season with nearly $120 million spread over five years (this figure includes signing bonus totals, etc).

Both players were key offseason additions to a club that would go on to win the World Series in 2016, but they are unlikely to be moved in pursuit of the hottest name in 2019.