Addison Russell welcomed Jason Heyward to the Cubs in probably the most respectful way possible.
The 21-year-old shortstop immediately offered his No. 22 uniform up for Heyward, not even trying to play hardball or squeeze a Rolex or a new car out of the new $184 million man.
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Heyward has worn No. 22 his entire big-league career as a tribute to his high school teammate, Andrew Wilmot, who was killed in a car accident in 2006.
Russell wore No. 22 for the Cubs last season, but didn't even wait for Heyward to ask for the jersey, Tweeting this out right after the signing was announced last week:
Heyward appreciated the move and made sure to let everybody know Russell would have some good fortune coming his way.
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"Very classy on his part, to mention that and say winning is the most important thing," Heyward said at Spiaggia's in Chicago Tuesday after his introductory presser. "I'll send him an IOU and we'll agree to terms on something that I can do for him.
"It's awesome. The number is something that is very special to me and a lot of people."
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Heyward also Tweeted Russell his thanks directly:
Russell announced his new jersey number Wednesday, opting to follow in the footsteps of a childhood hero (not Bruce Lee):