After officially releasing Heyward, time is right for Cubs to start adding
The roster reshape is under way.
On Monday, the Cubs officially announced outfielder Jason Heyward has been released.
Club president Jed Hoyer first announced the move was coming in August.
"He's been such a great pro with us and a leader," Hoyer said. "We want him around the team this year but we're not going to have him with the team next year. We want to give him the full offseason to be able to go out and find an opportunity."
Signed to an eight-year, $184 million contract before the 2016 season, Heyward was a solid defensive outfielder for the Cubs.
Offense was the issue. Over seven seasons, Heyward hit .245/.323/.377 with 62 home runs and 289 RBI.
Heyward is now a free agent and he'll collect his $22 million salary from the Cubs for the 2023 season. Catcher Willson Contreras will also hit the open market once he declines last week's $19.65 million qualifying offer.
As for roster additions, you name it and the Cubs probably need it.
They need help in the starting rotation and bullpen.
The Cubs need help in center field, they're in need of infield upgrades and they can use a new catcher to replace Contreras.
With Gold Glover Ian Happ set in left field and Seiya Suzuki hoping for better health during his second season in right, Hoyer told reporters at last week's GM meetings in Las Vegas that he'll look outside to shore up center field.
Top prospect Alexander Canario was a candidate to play center but he broke his ankle and separated his shoulder in late October while playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic and won't be ready for the start of the season.
Brennen Davis is another prospect to watch at the position but he's still dealing with back issues and needs more playing time in the minor leagues before getting a call from the Cubs.
As for external help, Kevin Kiermaier is available after the Rays declined his $13 million club option for next season.
A standout defender, Kiermaier had left hip surgery in early August and was given a recovery time of 6-7 months.
Kiermaier has an interesting tie to the organization - his brother Dan has been the Cubs' groundskeeper since 2015.
Cody Bellinger is a strong candidate to be non-tendered by the Dodgers, so the Cubs have another potential option for center field.
The National League's MVP in 2019, Bellinger has since been slowed by injuries and he hit just .210/.265/.389 with 19 home runs and 68 RBI this season.
The Cubs have a solid shortstop in Nico Hoerner, but he can also play second base.
Keep that in mind as the Cubs decide whether or not to sign one of the star shortstops that are free agents: Carlos Correa, Xander Bogaerts, Trea Turner and Dansby Swanson.
As Hoyer also explores potential upgrades on the pitching staff, at first base, third and catcher, it's shaping up as a busy off-season for the Cubs.