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The Angels could be in the hunt for free agent outfielder Jason Heyward, according to Fox Sports.
At this moment, the Angels “are only in the preliminary stages” in the search for a new outfielder, according to the report. Heyward’s name has come up in the discussion for the full-time outfield spot on the team. It would likely cost the team a ton of money and plenty of years to get the 26-year-old to come to Anaheim. Heyward is one of the biggest free agents out there this winter. LAA always has the money to spend and if it could acquire the former All-Star, it would have one of the most versatile outfielders in all of MLB. Reigning Gold Glove winner Kole Calhoun would likely slide over to left field so Heyward could play his usual right field. Mike Trout would man centerfield where he constantly makes highlight-reel like plays. Since 2010, Heyward ranks first in the majors in defensive runs saved. Over the last three seasons, he ranks second only to former Braves teammate Andrelton Simmons. He just won his third Gold Glove Award and could be the best right fielder in the game. If he lands in Anaheim, it would be a solid hitting offense that can play unbelievable defense.
Plenty of teams want Heyward not just because of his success in the league but also because he’s only 26. If a team inks him to a long-term contract, they wouldn’t have to worry about him falling off or breaking down completely because of his age. He’s also experienced six seasons at the MLB level, which is rare for most players to say at his age. Heyward had a .293/.359/.439 batting line this season with the St. Louis Cardinals. He also added 13 HR, 60 RBI and 23 SB. His power numbers tend to be somewhere in the teens throughout most of his career. He only played one season for the Cards after playing his first five in Atlanta. There's a chance he could be back in St. Louis if the team can win the sweepstakes for his services. St. Louis finished with 100 wins, which was the most in MLB this past season. It doesn’t want to change too much and it doesn’t want to lose its great fielder and solid hitter. Heyward would be a tough replacement.
Some of the other teams interested in signing Heyward are the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs. The Yanks and Dodgers want to get younger while the Cubbies want to find that missing piece that might get them into the World Series.
