Report: Heyward took less money to join Cubs

The Chicago Cubs won the Jason Heyward sweepstakes with the winning offer, and they didn't even need to submit the highest bid.

Multiple reports indicate Heyward took less money to join the Cubs, despite receiving a pair of $200-million offers from the Washington Nationals, and his former club, the St. Louis Cardinals. Both offers, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, assured the 26-year-old more guaranteed income over the duration of the contracts, but less money on a per year basis.

Heyward's deal with the Cubs - reported to be for $184 million over eight years - is the second-richest contract ever awarded to an outfielder, according to Cot's Contracts, and will pay the three-time Gold Glover an average annual value of $23 million per season. The deal also reportedly includes a pair of opt-out clauses, one of which can be triggered after the third year.

Heyward's decision to join the Cubs caps an unbelievable week for a team that won 97 games last season. Chicago's busy offseason includes signing Ben Zobrist and former Cardinals pitcher John Lackey to multi-year deals, in addition to trading Starlin Castro to the New York Yankees for Adam Warren.

Related: Cubs land Heyward with 8-year, $184M deal

Heyward was rumored to be seeking a contract in excess of $200 million, despite not possessing the eye-popping offensive numbers other big-money players typically produce. But Heyward's value has long been tied to his defense and contributions on the basepaths, skills reflected in his 12.7 wins above replacement since the beginning of 2014 - the fifth-most in baseball among position players.

Despite his lack of power - Heyward's only 20-homer season came back in 2012 - the two-way talent is one of just eight players over the last six seasons to compile 80 homers, 80 steals, and an OBP above .350.