Jason Heyward didn't have to be the most productive player on the field to lead a team to a World Series victory. His inspiring speech during a rain stoppage in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series helped power the Chicago Cubs to their first World Series victory in 108 years.
Heyward's performance wasn't enough to keep him in the Los Angeles Dodgers outfield after he became a designated player last Thursday due to roster shortfalls.
Hayward is reportedly close to signing with the Houston Astros, a day after officially becoming a free agent. MLB.com's Brian McTaggart was first to report the two sides were close to a deal on Tuesday.
The Astros are close to signing outfielder Jason Heyward, who was released by the Dodgers, according to sources.
Heyward, 35, played in 63 games with Los Angeles, batting .208/.289/.393 with six home runs and 28 RBIs.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) August 27, 2024
Heyward, 35, has yet to win a championship ring since his glory days with the Cubs in 2016. Now the Astros are hoping Heyward's Gold Glove-winning defense and inspirational leadership will be enough to lead the team to an eighth consecutive ALCS appearance.
LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 5: Jason Heyward (number 23) of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates a two-run home run by Teoscar Hernandez (number 37) to give the Dodgers a 4-2 lead against the Philadelphia Phillies on August 5, 2024 at Dodger Stadium. LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 5: Jason Heyward (number 23) of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates a two-run home run by Teoscar Hernandez (number 37) to give the Dodgers a 4-2 lead against the Philadelphia Phillies on August 5, 2024 at Dodger Stadium. Heyward is reportedly close to signing with Houston. Details: Harry Howe/Getty Images
Heyward spent 15 major league seasons with the Atlanta Braves (2010-14), St. Louis Cardinals (2015), Cubs (2016-22) and Dodgers (2023-24), batting .257 with 180 home runs and 709 RBI.
Heyward's career began with high expectations after he hit a home run in his first MLB at-bat, but it was his glove that really established him in the league. Heyward has won four Gold Glove Awards for his work in right field.
Unfortunately, he is no longer needed at that position with the Los Angeles Dodgers, who recently moved former MVP Mookie Betts back to right field.
Heyward was designated as a designated player when the Dodgers activated utility player Chris Taylor from the disabled list on Thursday.
Heyward appeared in just 60 games for the Dodgers this season and was below average when healthy, batting .208/.289/.393.
The Astros have been struggling to fill the right field vacancy left by former All-Star Kyle Tucker, who has been sidelined for nearly three months with a shin injury. On Monday, the Houston Chronicle reported that Tucker was available to take batting practice and light defensive work on the field.
There is no exact timetable for Tucker's return.
It would be presumptuous to assume the story would come to fruition, but the rivalry between the Dodgers and Astros is a bitter one.
Houston beat Los Angeles in seven games to win the 2017 World Series. Afterward, it was revealed that the Astros had stolen opponents' signs that year. Dodgers fans, like most of their players, still haven't gotten over the so-called “banging scheme.”
Last week, the Dodgers expressed disappointment at Heyward's departure.
“What Jason accomplished for the Dodgers in those last 18 months was truly remarkable — on the field, in the clubhouse and in the community,” manager Dave Roberts said Friday. “His mark will be left forever.”
If the Dodgers and Astros were to meet again in the World Series, the significance of Heyward switching teams in the middle of the postseason would make for an intriguingly awkward story.
