Jason Heyward’s time in Chicago may not be over yet

Longtime Chicago Cubs outfielder Jason Heyward is valued throughout the organization. When the time comes, he will be welcomed with open arms.

Jed Hoyer and the Cubs revealed this would be Heywards final year in Chicago. Heyward, one of the highest-paying contracts in the league when he signed (eight years, $164 million in 2016), hasn’t met the standard his AAV suggests.

That doesn’t mean he went unnoticed.

Hoyer and Chicago’s front office consider Heyward a key member of the clubhouse, which is why they plan to keep him for the rest of the season. That’s also why they’re considering a future role with Heyward in the organization, albeit not as a player.

Cubs: Could Jason Heyward return one day?

The following, after Jesse Rogersoutlines a possible future role for Heyward:

“Hoyer didn’t rule out a role for Heyward in the organization after his retirement, but did state that the veteran had told him he wanted to continue playing. It just won’t be with the Cubs.

“We felt like it was the right thing to do given where we are as an organization,” Hoyer said. “He doesn’t like it, but he understands where we are. I think it’s been a bit frustrating for the last year and a half.”

As Hoyer said, Heyward intends to play beyond this season. Chicago sees their corner positions in the outfield as a done deal Jan Happ and Seiya Suzuki wanted to fill those roles. There is no starting position for a player with Heyward’s reputation and AAV.

The Chicago front office wants to do justice to the veteran while he still has time to contribute to a competitive team. A buyout is the right decision, especially considering the Cubs won’t be competing within the next calendar year.