Reports: Giants drop out of Heyward hunt, still in mix for Justin Upton
The San Francisco Giants' search for a power-hitting outfielder has reportedly narrowed.
According to the San Jose Mercury News, the Giants "unofficially took themselves out of the running" for Jason Heyward, whom they were said to have been interested in this offseason.
Heyward, who holds a .268/.353/.431 career split with 19 home runs and 68 RBI per 162 games, is expected to receive a long and hefty contract this offseason.
"Club officials indicated that they never reached the offer stage with Heyward and expected that he would agree to terms in the near future," the report reads. "The Cubs and Cardinals are considered the frontrunners, although plenty of other teams remained in the hunt."
According to the report, the Giants were uncertain if Heyward's hitting was tailored to their ballpark and were wary of making a significant financial commitment to a player whose offensive production has yet to live up to expectations.
While San Francisco has apparently dropped itself out of the race for Heyward, it still remains a contender in a dash for Justin Upton that is "picking up steam," according to an ESPN report.
Although Upton is expected to command a mammoth contract like Heyward, his offensive production has been consistent throughout his career, as he holds a .271/.352/.473 lifetime split and averages 26 homers and 84 RBI per 162 games.
