The Los Angeles Dodgers were in a peculiar spot coming out of the All-Star break. Yes, they’re one of the best teams in baseball. Things shouldn’t be complicated if you’re good. The problem was that they were good at their most-injured. Now, they’re healthy and need to make room. One casualty of this is a former Chicago Cubs World Series Champion.
Outfielder Jason Heyward was granted free agency after fulfilling seven of his eight-year contract with the Cubs. Heyward came to the Cubs on a deal worth $184 million, the largest contract in franchise history. Year one brought the first World Series to the North Side of Chicago in 108 years. The legend is that he gave an incredible speech in Game 7 that helped the Cubs win. However, many feel that was the only value he brought to the table.
It was an underwhelming run on the field for Heyward with the Cubs. After signing as the most coveted free agent of the 2016 class, he batted just .245 and launched 62 home runs in seven seasons. By the end of his tenure, he wasn’t even starting.
After the Cubs released him, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed him for the league minimum for 2023. The Cubs paid the remaining $21-plus million owed to him as well. After 2023, he signed a $9 million deal to return to the Dodgers for 2024.
Due to the return of healthy starters, specifically outfielder Chris Taylor, Heyward was the odd man out. The Dodgers released Heyward on Saturday. His final at-bat was a three-run home run.
It’s not all bad, though. After a few days, Heyward has been picked up by another team. Not just any team, but a real contender. He’ll join another former Cub, too.
The Houston Astros are taking advantage of the Dodgers’ surplus of talent by signing recently released Jason Heyward to join them for the rest of the season. The Astros currently lead the American League West by 3.5 games over the Seattle Mariners. Heyward adds depth to the Astros’ bench and outfield as they push for the postseason.
Including 2016 with the Cubs, Heyward has been part of the postseason in nine of his fifteen years in the league. It hasn’t gone well for him, though. When it matters the most, Heyward is batting just .148 with two home runs in the playoffs.
The Jason Heyward Baseball Academy is a community center in Northwest Chicago that Heyward helped fund and open in 2023. It is a place for kids in the area to play on an indoor turf field that also includes batting cages. Heyward helped with the plans for the facility and also helped hire instructors for the camps and courses provided. Long after his playing days are done, he will continue to be in the Chicago community, helping others.
Plus, he’s a Cubs World Series Champion. We’ll always enjoy having him around, no matter what. Best of luck to him in Houston.
