Why the Cubs benched their $184M outfielder for World Series Game 1

When the Chicago Cubs announced their lineup for Game 1 of the World Series, one big, expensive name was missing: Jason Heyward, the outfielder whom they signed to a $184 million, eight-year contract this past offseason.

Instead, Joe Maddon put journeyman Chris Coghlan in right field.

“Obviously, Jason’s been struggling at plate, that’s it,” Maddon said in his pregame press conference. “I love having this guy on the field. He’s one of the best professional athletes I’ve ever been around. For right now in a short period of time, I just thought CC might have a better chance tonight to move the baseball offensively and help us grab a lead, and then put Jeyward in the game in the latter part of the game. There’s nothing really complicated about it.”

Two things: Yes, Maddon calls Jason Heyward “Jeyward” and Maddon said things could easily be different in Game 2, which makes sense considering how much he tinkers with the Cubs’ lineup.

In the end, the decision didn’t factor a heck of a lot in Game 1, as the Indians shutout out the Cubs 6-0. Cleveland ace Corey Kluber was on, meaning that most Cubs weren’t getting hits. He allowed just four, striking out nine Cubs batters in six innings. Coghlan earned two of those Ks.

Would Heyward have done any better? Shrug. Heyward has only gotten two hits in the postseason and was 1-for-16 against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series. He didn’t start Game 6 of that series either. Heyward is, however, an excellent defender, which is why Maddon hinted that Heyward might get in the game later. He didn’t.

On most teams, signing a $184 million contract and not playing the first game of the World Series would draw Heyward a ton of criticism, but the Cubs lineup is so loaded that losing Heyward isn’t that big of a loss. Plus they’ve got Kyle Schwarber back in the lineup and Jorge Soler on the bench.

It might be more of a blow to Heyward’s ego, but Maddon is quick to point out that Heyward isn’t the first player to struggle the year after signing a big contract. And that’s absolutely true.

“Things maybe in the first year don’t go exactly according to plan,” Maddon said. “However, I really feel strongly that they will [in the future] with him. I do. He’s an incredibly wonderful young man, and he’s very strong mentally. He just has some things to work out, honestly, from the offensive side with his swing.

“I’m not saying anything new to you guys, but that’s what comes next. The offseason’s going to be really important for him. But over the course of this next week, I’m certain he’s going to do something to help us win this whole thing.”