This Monday morning, the Dodgers and Jason Heyward agreed on a one year contract worth nine million dollars, according to ESPN insider Kiley McDaniel.
The 34 year old outfielder, who was an invaluable asset to Los Angeles last year, had a career resurgence in Chavez Ravine after struggling with the Chicago Cubs for the previous couple seasons.
Heyward, who was originally signed by LA before to the 2023 season on a minor league contract, hit for a 269. average along with 15 homers while sporting an 813 OPS, well above the league average. He also revived his friendship with his former Atlanta Braves teammate Freddie Freeman, now the everyday first baseman for Los Angeles. Freeman, who had expressed interest in retaining Heyward prior to the deal today, was said to have been "having a blast" with his friend last season.
Additionally, multiple Dodgers have already expressed their appreciation with the work President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman and the rest of the Dodgers front office have done so far this offseason. Rookie standouts James Outman and Bobby Miller both took to Instagram, sharing a photo of Heyward. Outman, who was a regular fixture in the outfield last season, gained crucial insights from Heyward on how to navigate an everyday role.
The signing simply made too much sense not to happen, and Heyward's expertise, energy, and clubhouse presence in Los Angeles will continue for at least another year.
Photo Credit: Los Angeles Times
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