Jason Heyward, a former outfielder for the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers, has agreed to a contract with the San Diego Padres, adding a senior presence to their outfield. The 35-year-old Heyward and another new Padres addition, Connor Joe, are anticipated to share time in left field.
Although Heyward’s contract’s exact financial details are unknown, it is thought to be a one-year big league contract. The trade goes smoothly since the Padres presently have space on their 40-man roster.
Heyward just divided his 2024 season between the Houston Astros and the Dodgers. His impressive 2023 season, in which he hit.211 with 10 home runs and 37 RBIs over 87 games, was difficult to duplicate. He was released after the Dodgers designated him for assignment in late August. He signed with Houston right after, and before making an appearance in the postseason, he batted.218 and blasted four home runs in 24 games.
Heyward is still regarded as a respected clubhouse leader with good defensive abilities, despite his offensive output declining last season. With Joe in his platoon, the Padres should have a well-rounded left-field presence. Joe and Heyward make sense together since Joe has performed well against lefties while Heyward typically succeeds against right-handed pitchers.
The Padres acquire two veterans, Connor and Jason Heyward. Joe
Jason Heyward, a 22-year-old left fielder for the Houston Astros, reacts after hitting a two-run home ball in the fifth inning at Minute Maid Park against the Seattle Mariners.
The Padres have had a quiet but consistent offseason, which is continued with Heyward’s signing. The team is still slightly above the luxury tax level and signed veteran catcher Elias Díaz, so other moves—possibly a trade to reduce payroll—may still be in the works.
The former first-round selection offers San Diego a plethora of expertise. Heyward, who was selected as a rookie in 2010, had an immediate impact in the majors after being taken by the Braves. Before agreeing to a huge eight-year, $184 million contract with the Chicago Cubs in 2016, he played for the St. Louis Cardinals. Despite his offensive shortcomings in Chicago, he was a key leader in the Cubs’ 2016 World Series victory, giving a well-known speech during the rain delay that helped the club win Game 7.
Heyward had a comeback with the Dodgers in 2023 after being cut by the Cubs after the 2022 season. He hit.269 with 15 home runs and an OPS of.813. His influence at the plate was limited by ailments that plagued his 2024 season, including a lower back problem and a bone injury in his knee.
Heyward now plays for the Padres, who want to maintain their competitiveness in the NL West. The team could gain from his expertise and leadership as they move through a transitional phase after losing important players like Blake Snell and Juan Soto. Even if he is no longer a regular starter, Heyward might still contribute significantly in a supporting capacity. His acquisition could turn out to be a wise understated move for San Diego if he can reclaim some of his 2023 form.
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