According to an article in The Athletic, Jason Heyward, a former outfielder for the Houston Astros, has agreed to a deal with the San Diego Padres.
Heyward seems to be a part of San Diego’s volume strategy to deal with its outfielder’s depth problems. Additionally, the franchise just reached an agreement with Connor Joe.
The par will probably contend for a starting or platoon position against Jackson Merrill and Fernando Tatis Jr. if the agreements are finalized. Brandon Lockridge and Tirso Ornelas are on the Padres’ remaining outfield depth chart.
Heyward, 35, is still a capable defender. However, he is probably a left-handed hitting platoon outfielder at this stage of his career who can both DH and fill in defensively in the late innings.
Due to a decline in his output, the Dodgers dismissed him, and he joined Houston in late August. He contributed some offense with a slash line of.218/.283/.473/.756 with four home runs and nine RBI in 24 games, which was just what the Astros needed in their outfield. In the AL West, he did assist them in closing the deal.
After the season, however, the Astros had no interest in bringing him back.
In 2010, Heyward, a 15-year veteran, made his Atlanta debut. In 2010, he placed second in the Rookie of the Year vote and was named an All-Star. Although he has earned five Gold Gloves as an outfielder, he hasn’t done so since 2017.
Prior to the 2016 season, Heyward inked a $184 million, eight-year contract with the Cubs.
He hit 62 home runs and 289 RBI in seven seasons with the Cubs, slashing.245/.323/.377/.700. With Chicago, he also took home two Gold Gloves. Being a vital part of the squad that won the 2016 World Series, he assisted the team in ending its lengthy World Series drought.
He moved to Los Angeles after 2022 to play for the Dodgers, where he had two inconsistent seasons.
He slashed and saw consistent playing time in 2023, primarily in right field.269/340/.473/.813 with 40 RBI and 15 home homers. He blasted 21 home runs and drove in 62 RBI, making it his most potent season since 2019.
The previous season was more challenging. He cut.In 63 games, he is 208/.289/.393/.682 with six home runs and 28 RBI. The Dodgers eventually designated him for assignment and later dismissed him when he lost playing time.
With the recent addition of Ben Gamel to a one-year contract, Houston has a plethora of outfield choices on the 40-man roster.
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