Jason Heyward declined his qualifying offer from the Cardinals on Friday and will remain a free agent, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Heyward declined his qualifying offer from the Cardinals on Friday and will remain a free agent, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Analysis:

It was simply a formality for Heyward to turn the deal down, as he's in line for a more lucrative, multi-year deal. The 26-year-old had an impressive season in his lone year in St. Louis, slashing .293/.359/.439 with 13 homers and 23 steals. The Cardinals will still try to retain him but will now get a draft pick as compensation if Heyward signs elsewhere.