Cubs: Ranking the 7 worst contracts in the NL Central

The NL Central doesn't have as many bad contracts as other divisions, but there are a few that really stand out - and not in a good way.

St. Louis Cardinals v Cincinnati Reds
St. Louis Cardinals v Cincinnati Reds | Dylan Buell/GettyImages
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Cubs: Ranking the 7 worst contracts in the NL Central - #4: Jason Heyward

Not on the active roster, but still on the Cubs' books, Jason Heyward represents one of - if not the largest - swings and misses in franchise history. On the heels of a monster 2015 with the rival Cardinals, Heyward grabbed an eight-year, $184 million investment from the Cubs and it quickly paid off.

Well, sort of. The veteran brought unmatched defensive abilities and a strong clubhouse presence to the North Side - and his locker room speech during Game 7's rain delay in the 2016 World Series is enough to make most Cubs fans accept everything that followed.

Heyward never got back on track offensively and the Cubs cut ties with him at the end of an injury-filled 2022 season, choosing to eat the final year and $22 million left on his contract. He's found his footing with the Dodgers this year, but it's safe to say we're all ready to see that come off the books at season's end.

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