Jason Heyward left to joining the Chicago Cubs. People everywhere are promoting the idea that he left to join the cubs for less money than what the cardinals offered him. I’m going to break down why I think that is not correct, and why Jason Heyward maid a shrewd business decision that was all about money.
Offers:
Cubs 8 years, 184 million
23 million/year
Heyward has 2 outs, one after 3 years and 1 after 6 years
Cardinals:
10 years 200 million
20 million/year
No outs
In my view here is why Heyward choose the contract he did, it sets him up for a better contract in 3 years, and also gives him more guaranteed money now.
First 3 years
The first 3 years of Heywards deal reportedly pay him 78 million. That’s 26 million/year (factoring in bonuses). He has a clause to leave the contract without penalty after 3 years. If Heyward is doing well, he will leave the contract and pursue free agency. He will only be age 29, setting him up for a long term 8-10 year deal that will pay him well into his late 30’s. Had he taken the cardinals offer he would be coming out of that deal at age 36 will no viable way to get another long term deal.
In conclusion, Heyward chose:
26 million/year vs 20 million/year
The ability to hit free agency again at age 29 vs ability to hit free agency at age 36