Report: Cards to pursue Gordon after losing Heyward

The St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly working quickly to negate the loss of free-agent outfielder Jason Heyward, shifting their attention to fellow Gold Glover Alex Gordon, sources tell Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports.

The market for Gordon and other available outfielders such as Justin Upton and Yoenis Cespedes is expected to take shape now that Heyward - considered the top player in his free-agent class - is reportedly off the board. Heyward's deal with the Chicago Cubs, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, is believed to be under his reported $200-million asking price.

Despite being attached to draft-pick compensation, Gordon's expected to command a multi-year contract in excess of $100 million. Gordon, who declined his $12.5-million player option for 2016, will cost teams a pick in next year's draft after rejecting the Kansas City Royals' $15.8-million qualifying offer last month.

A three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner, Gordon hit .271/.377/.432 (120 OPS+) with 13 home runs and 18 doubles in 104 games for the world champion Royals in 2015.