Nationals emerge in race for free agent OF Jason Heyward

— -- The Washington Nationals have emerged as a potential landing spot for free agent Jason Heyward, according to media reports.

The Cubs and Cardinals also had been known to be in the hunt for Heyward, who played in St. Louis this past season.

Arguably St. Louis' MVP, Heyward's WAR of 6.5 was the most among Cardinals position players by a considerable margin and the two-time Gold Glove winner is also one of the best in baseball in defensive runs saved.

He finished his first season for the NL Central champs with 13 homers, 60 RBIs and .293 average, helping the Cardinals to a 100-win season and the best record in baseball in 2015.

The 14th pick overall in the 2007 draft, Heyward finished second to Giants catcher Buster Posey in the rookie of the year voting in 2010 -- the same year he made his lone All-Star appearance.

CBS Sports first reported the Nationals' interest in the outfielder.