(CBS) The Cubs believe their time to win is now, and they’re acting accordingly.

Opening up the check book for the second consecutive offseason, Chicago has signed prized free-agent outfielder Jason Heyward, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports and multiple reports. Heyward was signed to an eight-year, $184-million deal, according to reports. The Cubs have long been intrigued by the 26-year-old Heyward, and they beat out the rival Cardinals and others for his services.

Heyward’s contract contains two opt-out clauses as well — one after three years and the other after the fourth year, according to reports.

A three-time Gold Glove winner, Heyward could play center field for the Cubs in 2016 before transitioning to a corner outfield spot further down the line.

Heyward was the prized free-agent position player of this offseason, as he’s the rare All-Star-caliber player on the open market with his entire prime ahead of him. Scouts speak highly of his five-tool skill set, though he hasn’t reached his power potential yet. Heyward had 13 homers and 60 RBIs while hitting .293 with a .797 OPS in 154 games for the Cardinals last season. He also stole 23 bases.

On Wednesday, Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer explained the Cubs have a sense of urgency because they’re certainly in their window of championship contention.

“What we sought out to build when we got here was a team that can be good for a long time,” Hoyer said. “I think we said the expression ‘sustained success’ ad nauseam. We think we can be good for a long time, but we also know we’re good right now. I think we always talk about the difference between what we know at this moment and what we think we know about 2020, 2021. It’s really difficult, because the future does arrive.

“We’re a good team. We have a great manager, great coaching staff. I think this team really believes in itself, and I think we have a lot of upside. So we have to act with urgency to make this team better.”

Heyward is a career .268 hitter with a .353 on-base percentage and .784 OPS. He spent the first five years of his MLB career with the Braves before being dealt to the Cardinals ahead of the 2015 season in exchange for right-hander Shelby Miller.