5 outfielders Cardinals should target to replace Heyward

It's not for a lack of trying with the St. Louis Cardinals.

They've fallen just short of acquiring two of the biggest free agents of the offseason in David Price and Jason Heyward, offering each high value and long-term deals, only to be spurned by both parties.

With Heyward leaving Friday for a lucrative long-term contract with the division rival Chicago Cubs, the Cardinals will now set their sights on his replacement in their outfield.

Here are five outfielders St. Louis could target to replace the 26-year-old Gold Glover:

Justin Upton

DOB: Aug. 25, 1987 (28 years old)
Projected contract: 7 years, $147 million

A former first overall selection, Upton is an intriguing candidate for the Cardinals. He's consistently produced across his career, owning a .271/.352/.473 slash line with 190 home runs, 616 RBIs, and 115 steals, and his numbers didn't fall off at pitcher-friendly Petco Park last season, where he had better numbers than on the road. He's also just 28 years old and could re-shape the middle of the St. Louis lineup, but the big question mark surrounding Upton is his defense, which - although improved in 2015 - was trending downwards in his three seasons prior.

Nick Markakis

DOB: Nov. 17, 1983 (32 years old)
Contract status: 3 years, $33 million

The Atlanta Braves are still open for business and the 32-year-old doesn't seem like a fit on a club shifting towards a youth movement. Markakis could slot into the exact spots in the lineup and outfield that Heyward did, while offering the Cardinals a left-handed bat that will likely come cheaper than any of the big ticket free-agents still available. He's also a two-time Gold Glove winner.

Dexter Fowler

DOB: Mar. 22, 1986 (29 years old)
Projected contract: 4 years, $60 million

The Cardinals have shown they have money to spend and have been targeting bigger free agents, but if St. Louis wants to spread out its funds - and perhaps acquire a starting pitcher - it could sign the 29-year-old Fowler to add an element of speed to its lineup. The Cardinals finished near the National League basement in stolen bases with 69, while Fowler had 20 of his own and also offers some pop (17 home runs).

Carlos Gonzalez

DOB: Oct. 17, 1985 (30 years old)
Contract status: 2 years, $37 million

The Colorado Rockies are receiving a lot of interest in their star outfielder, with the Kansas City Royals and Washington Nationals reportedly looking at the 30-year-old, so the Cardinals would have competition for his services. Gonzalez hammered a career high 40 home runs last season, while knocking in 97. Who knows if his offense will remain elite away from Coors Field, but the addition of the two-time All-Star and former batting champ would instantly make the Cardinals better.

Alex Gordon

DOB: Feb. 10, 1984 (31 years old)
Projected contract: 5 years, $105 million

Gordon immediately became a hot ticket after Heyward signed with the Cubs, and the Cardinals are already reportedly in pursuit of the 31-year-old long-time Royal. Gordon offers superior defense (plus-94 career DRS) among the available targets on this list, but is coming off a campaign where he battled a groin strain and off-season wrist surgery. He isn't a middle-of-the-order type like Upton or Gonzalez, but he would provide an exceptional outfield glove and competitive spirit that teams salivate over.

Other targets: Yoenis Cespedes, Charlie Blackmon, Denard Span, Gerardo Parra

Contract projections are courtesy of MLB Trade Rumors