Free agent right fielder Jason Heyward is reportedly upping the ante for teams interested in signing him this winter.
According to Jayson Stark, he’s looking for an eight- or nine-year deal worth $24 million. Previously it was thought he was looking for around $20 million per season on a 10-year deal, so perhaps he’s been getting close to a deal and is now interested in squeezing as much out of a new deal as possible with interest so high.
Jon Morosi has reported the Los Angeles Angels, Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals are among the finalists to land the outfielder.
Coming off one of his best career seasons at the plate, the three-time Gold Glove winner (including the last two years) has proven his worth as an all-around star.
In his six years in the bigs, he has tallied 97 home runs, 352 RBI and has scored 446 runs while sporting a career .268 average. Last year’s .293 was his best average to date, and teams are likely banking on the 26-year old to continue trending up, hence the huge rumored contract numbers.