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UPDATE (1:20 PST): According to Jon Morosi, the market for Jason Heyward has narrowed, and there are now three finalists.
Sources: #Angels among finalists for Jason Heyward, along with #Cubs and #STLCards. @FOXSports
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 10, 2015
While the Giants were reportedly interested in the outfielder, they've seemingly taken themselves out of the race. There's been an indication from several reporters that Heyward could sign today, which makes this a situation to keep an eye on throughout the day.
ORIGINAL: Although nothing came together during the first few days of the Winter Meetings, Jason Heyward's talks with interested clubs are progressing, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal and Jon Morosi.
Jason Heyward talks progressing, sources tell @Ken_Rosenthal and me. #Cubs, #STLCards, others among finalists to sign him. @FOXSports
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 10, 2015
While Heyward has been connected to the Cardinals and Cubs, both clubs known to be seeking outfield help, the Angels and Giants could also be in the mix. CSN Bay Area's Alex Pavlovic notes the Giants checked in on Heyward but never made an initial offer. Pavlovic adds there is an expectation Heyward is signed Thursday, which could be realistic since the Winter Meetings in Nashville are coming to an end.
San Francisco was reportedly more interested in Heyward than some of the other free agent outfielders because he has proven to be solid defensively. However, they might not be in a position to make the highest offer if clubs such as the Cubs and Angels decide to remain involved.
Heyward, 26, batted .293/.359/.439 to complement 13 home runs and 60 RBIs over 154 games last season. He has also stolen at least 20 bases in each of the last three seasons and could add a valuable left-handed bat to a club's lineup.
Cardinals General Manager John Mozeliak told Derrick Goold of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch he has not been informed of a time table for Heyward's decision, and there is a chance Heyward does not decide where he wants to play in 2016 until the market develops further.
Carlos Gonzalez could be an option for some clubs, and Alex Gordon and Justin Upton are both still on the board.
In the days leading up to the Winter Meetings, the market for pitching evolved, and that continued as the meetings progressed. Heyward will likely receive an extensive deal but he might not be in a hurry to join a club.