The World Series Champion has never needed to be the standout performer on the field to guide a team to a World Series victory. His motivational speech during a rain delay in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series played a key role in inspiring the Chicago Cubs to clinch their first World Series title in 108 years.
However, Heyward’s positive influence wasn’t enough to secure his position in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ outfield beyond last Thursday, when he was designated for assignment due to a roster crunch.
Just a day after becoming a free agent, Heyward is reportedly close to finalizing a deal with the Houston Astros, as first reported by Brian McTaggart of MLB.com on Tuesday.
At 35 years old, Heyward has not won another championship since his 2016 triumph with the Cubs. The Astros now hope that his stellar defensive skills and leadership qualities can help them reach their eighth consecutive American League Championship Series.
Over 15 major league seasons with the Atlanta Braves (2010-14), St. Louis Cardinals (2015), Cubs (2016-22), and Dodgers (2023-24), Heyward has posted a .257 batting average with 180 home runs and 709 RBIs.
Despite high expectations at the start of his career, including a memorable homer in his first MLB at-bat, Heyward has solidified his place in the league primarily through his defense, winning four Gold Glove awards.
His role with the Dodgers became less critical after the team moved former MVP Mookie Betts back to right field. Consequently, when the Dodgers activated utility player Chris Taylor from the injured list on Thursday, Heyward was designated for assignment.
Heyward, who played just 60 games this season, had a disappointing .208/.289/.393 batting line when healthy.
The Astros have struggled to fill the right field spot vacated by former All-Star Kyle Tucker, who has been out for nearly three months with a shin injury. Tucker has recently started on-field batting practice and light defensive work, but his return date remains uncertain.
If the Dodgers and Astros face each other again in the World Series, Heyward’s move to Houston amid the postseason chase could add an intriguing subplot to their ongoing rivalry, which was intensified by Houston’s sign-stealing scandal in the 2017 World Series.
The Dodgers were sorry to see Heyward leave. Manager Dave Roberts praised Heyward’s contributions, saying, “What Jason did for the Dodgers in a year and a half was pretty remarkable on the field, in the clubhouse, in the community. His fingerprint will be everlasting.”
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