St Louis Cardinals: Needs for Patience and Urgency

Jason Heyward: John Mozeliak must find a way

Sep 26, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jason Heyward (22) makes a catch for an out during the first inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kane-USA TODAY Sports

When Matt Holliday inked a 7 year, $120M deal in 2010, many balked and criticized, but that contract directly contributed to 5 straight years of success. Take that very deal and add inflation for a jump to $130.5M. Add value for Jason Heyward’s gold glove and that contract justifiably rises over $140M for 7 years. Push it out to a 10-year deal and it’s above $200M. While those numbers sound insane for us fans, the market and Heyward’s 6.0 fWAR says otherwise and the sooner we get used to it, the better.

Heyward joined the team with enthusiasm and a chemistry that helped to lead us to the best season in a decade. We need his glove, his bat and his attitude now and in the future to bridge the eventual loss of Holliday. John Mozeliak and the St Louis Cardinals’ front office know how to value players. Let’s hope that leads to a deal with Heyward soon. I’d like to see him in the mid-January Winter Warm Up if possible.