Former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Jason Heyward is expected to sign with the Houston Astros, five days after being designated for trade by the Dodgers, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com.
Source: The Astros are close to signing OF Jason Heyward, who was released by the Dodgers.
Heyward, 35, hit .208/.289/.393 with six home runs and 28 RBIs in 63 games with LA
– Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) 27 August 2024
The Dodgers designated Heyward for trade just two days after he pinch-hit a three-run home run that gave the Dodgers a win over the Seattle Mariners. He was officially released from waivers on Monday, making him a free agent.
With Chris Taylor returning from a groin strain that landed him on the injured list, the Dodgers had no room on the roster for Heyward. The Dodgers’ lineup is back to normal for the first time since this spring following the return of Mookie Betts and Max Muncy from injuries.
Heyward spent two seasons with the Dodgers, originally signing a minor league contract with Los Angeles in December 2022. He eventually made the Dodgers’ opening-day roster the following March and appeared in 124 games for the Dodgers during the 2023 season, posting a .269/.340/.473 batting average with 15 home runs and 40 RBIs. His performances earned him the Roy Campanella Award, given to the most inspirational Dodger of the season.
Heyward returned to the Dodgers this season and re-signed to a one-year, $9 million contract in December 2023. He appeared in 63 games for the Dodgers in 2024, posting a .208/.289/.393 batting average with six home runs and 28 RBIs. Heyward missed some time this season due to injuries, including a bone bruise in his knee.
Although Heyward has not been able to match his 2023 performance this season, it is no surprise that he quickly found a new home with the Dodgers after being nominated for the job.
In 2024, Heyward showed he can step in for the Dodgers when needed, as he did last week with his pinch-hit home run. Heyward also took over when James Outman struggled this season, his second in the major leagues after finishing third in the National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2023.
Heyward, a 35-year-old veteran, joins an Astros team that currently leads the American League West with a record of 70-61. The Astros have made the playoffs each of the last seven seasons and won the division in six of those years.
Houston won the World Series in 2022 and is a contender for the Cup again this year. Although it has been seven years since the Astros defeated the Dodgers in the 2017 World Series and were subsequently accused of cheating by illegally stealing opponents’ signs, there are few rival teams that generate more animosity among Dodgers fans.
Now Heyward has a chance to stay with the Astros for the rest of the season at the Dodgers’ expense. Houston is only responsible for a prorated portion of the major league minimum salary, while the Dodgers pay the majority.
