The Chicago Cubs have signed top free-agent outfielder Jason Heyward to an eight-year, $184 million deal.

In securing Heyward's services, ESPN reports the Cubs beat out Central Division rival St. Louis and the Washington Nationals. The Cardinals led the major leagues in victories last season and the 26-year-old Heyward arguably reigned as the team's MVP. He hit .293, with 13 homers and 60 RBIs and stole 20 bases.

The two-time Gold Glove winner also anchored the Cardinals' defense and reportedly turned down the chance to earn even more for opportunity to call Wrigley Field his home ballpark.

Heyward thus becomes the second big-time free agent to shun the Cardinals for the chance to join their longtime rivals. Earlier this month, free-agent, veteran hurler John Lackey announced he had inked a two-year, $32 million deal with the suddenly rising franchise.

After years and years of futility, the Cubs advanced to the NL Championship last season, and with a core that includes such star-studded youngsters as Kris Bryant, Addison Russell, Anthony Rizzo, Kyle Schwarber and Jake Arrieta are only expected to keep building.

The No. 14 pick in the 2007 MLB Draft and subsequent rookie of the year runner-up to San Francisco's Buster Olney, Heyward is expected to play center for the Cubs.

With Heyward in the fold, the Cubs are expected to trade defensively challenged right fielder Jorge Soler as part of an overall outfield upgrade.

In six big league seasons, Heyward's best campaign came with the Atlanta Braves in 2010, when he hit .277 with 18 homers and 72 RBIs. Heyward has also stolen at least 20 bases in each of the last three seasons.

His new deal with the Cubs reportedly has two opt outs, one after three years and the other at a publicly unspecified time frame.

Earlier this off season, the Cubs also signed veteran infielder Ben Zobrist in a four-year, $56 million free agent deal.