Cody Snavely
The Dodgers have made their first “big” move of the offseason, bringing back veteran right fielder Jason Heyward on a one-year $9 million deal.
Heyward was released by the Cubs last November after having an abysmal slash line at .211/.280/.326 with an OPS+ of 65 in 2021 and 2022 combined. Heyward signed a massive contract with Chicago in 2015 and was a pivotal piece in their World Series year in 2016, but Heyward never lived up to the $184 million deal.
The Dodgers decided to take a chance on Heyward, signing him to a one-year deal with an invitation to spring training, giving the former all-star another shot to make a major league roster. Heyward would excel in the spring and win a spot on the Dodger’s 26-man roster. Heyward had his best season since the shortened 2020, where he slashed a.269 BA, 15 HR, 40 RBI, and an OPS+ at 117, all at the price of the league minimum salary.
Heyward also proved to be still an elite defender in right field, where he posted a DRS at five, allowing the Dodgers to move Mookie Betts around the infield when needed. However, where Heyward strived was his leadership in the clubhouse, specifically with rookie center fielder James Ouman. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also explained the impact of Heyward on the roster in an episode of The Bleed Los Podcast in October.
With this move, the Dodger’s 40-man roster is now full, and with the team still in need of a few pitchers and Ohtani on the horizon, expect the Dodgers to be very busy the next few weeks, especially with the MLB Winter Meetings taking place from December 4th-7th.
