In the final stretch of the season, the Houston Astros have added a notable name to their roster by acquiring outfielder Jason Heyward.
Heyward, who had a successful stint with the Chicago Cubs, moved to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023. Last year, he performed well for the Dodgers, posting a .269 batting average with 15 home runs and 40 RBIs.
This season, however, has been less favorable for Heyward. Before joining the Astros, he struggled with a .208 batting average and an on-base percentage below .300. Consequently, the Dodgers chose to part ways with him, and the Astros took the opportunity to bring him on board.
Since arriving in Houston, Heyward has mainly played in situational roles off the bench. In his five games with the Astros, he has recorded two hits in nine at-bats, including one double.
At 35 years old and with a significant drop in performance compared to last season, Heyward’s career might be nearing its end.
MLB.com’s Will Leitch recently suggested that Heyward could be approaching retirement soon. He noted Heyward’s impressive debut with the Braves, where he homered in his first game with Hank Aaron watching. Although Heyward didn’t achieve Hall of Fame status, he made a lasting mark in MLB history with his leadership on the Cubs’ 2016 World Series-winning team. His rain-delay speech from that season remains legendary. After being released by the Dodgers on August 24 due to a roster squeeze, Heyward quickly joined the Astros and now has a chance to contribute in the postseason.
Heyward began his career as a highly anticipated prospect with the Braves and had a memorable rookie season, but he only made one All-Star appearance and didn’t fully meet the initial expectations.
Should this be his final season, Heyward will have an opportunity to secure another World Series title with the contending Astros.
Overall, Heyward has had a commendable career. While he may not make it to Cooperstown, his achievements, including a World Series win with the Cubs and an All-Star selection as a rookie, highlight a successful tenure in baseball.
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