(670 The Score) Since arriving to the Cubs prior to the 2016 season, right fielder Jason Heyward understood what he was getting into.
Signed to an eight-year, $184-million contract, Heyward was brought to the Cubs as they took their next step in a quest toward winning a World Series. He realized that wasn't just the hope but an expectation.
Heyward, 29, still feels that expectation as he enters his fourth season in Chicago.
"Every year in an organization like this one, it's World Series or bust," Heyward said on the McNeil & Parkins Show on Friday afternoon. "That's where I want to be."
The Cubs are coming off a 2018 season that ended in disappointment, as the Brewers won the National League Central crown against them in Game 163 before Chicago fell to Colorado in the NL wild-card game.
Motivation is now strong for the Cubs. It's not just about rebounding from last season but also savoring what they have.
"You can't ever take it for granted," Heyward said. "You can have a team like this one with Ben Zobrist, who could very well be (in) his last year of his career. You want to go out, put your best foot forward and try to win a ring with someone like that.
"Ian Happs, (Kyle) Schwarbers, our young guys that are early in their careers, you don't know if you're going to get to play for a team like this again. You don't know if you're going to be able to play for an organization like this your whole career.
"You just want to make the most of this ride right now. We got people who are willing to do so. That's something we want to make sure guys understand. It's not realistic to expect it to always be that way."
