Of course, DiPoto's concern about being backed into a corner is about years 6-9 on guys like this! But with Heyward that issue is largely moot,,as he's still just a pup at 26 and a bit. Well, year 8 and 9 might be a bit of a concern. But in this case, as $20M, he'll likely be cheap in year 7, for example.
Pay for Year One this way: Get something that breaths for Smith, consider moving Trumbo, as well. Put Flores/KivlehanRobertson/Powell (whoever hits) in LF and have a world class OF shagging flies in Safeco. Give Cruz just enough OF games to kep him interested and live with Montero and whatever you can find (or Kivlehan) at 1B.
With such a path, I could be interested. Normally these long term, national debt type contracts (even Cano...who will have us cornered eventually) don't interest me.
But most guys aren't pups like Heyward.
Heck, now might be the time to move Cano to 1B. Could you live with Taylor at 2B?
Hmmmm.....
I'm pondering, Doc.
Of course, if you get Son, you probably get Heyward-lite for a"lite" $ cost, too.
Go team