OVERALL VALUE: When you add up the defense, the speed, and the slightly above-average offense, Heyward was worth 5.1 wins above replacement in 2014 according to FanGraphs. In 2013, he was worth 4.9 WAR. So even with the drop in power, Heyward has enough all-around ability to be worth five wins to a team, and that's very good. Last season only nine MLB outfielders had a higher WAR than Heyward.

WHY HE'D FIT THE CARDINALS: In terms of all-around play and value, the Cardinals haven't had an outfielder amass 5.1 WAR in a season since Matt Holliday in 2010.

Even with the iffy power and platoon limitations, Heyward is more talented overall than any of the Cardinals' current outfielders. The defense in RF would improve dramatically. And Heyward's ability to bat leadoff would enable the Cardinals to move Matt Carpenter to more of a so-called RBI spot in the lineup.

Heyward could platoon with the RH-hitting Randal Grichuk in RF.

Not that Heyward needs motivation, but with free agency looking he'll be fired up to put up huge numbers in 2015.

THE RISK: Free agency after next season. It's as simple as that.