Chicago Cubs: These moves prevented team from adding Bryce Harper

Chicago Cubs: Jason Heyward’s contract looms large

The Chicago Cubs signed Jason Heyward to an eight-year, $184 million contract ahead of the 2016 season. Believe it or not, the outfielder took less money to join the Cubs despite the fact his contract is the largest overall in team history.

While the right-fielder struggled offensively (.230/.306/.325) in 2016, he won a Gold Glove Award and famously delivered a speech during the rain delay of Game 7 of the World Series.

Heyward also won a Gold Glove in 2017 while posting a more respectable .259/.326/.389 slash line. His defense is spectacular, and the Cubs might not have won the World Series without his speech.

When compared to the potential production from Harper (for at least $150 million more, of course), there is no comparison. Harper is about three years younger than Heyward and is an MVP-caliber player.

Heyward has been productive for the Cubs, but Harper is a franchise-changing player, plain and simple.