One day after what was a quiet Winter Meetings for them, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Jason Heyward to a Minor League contract with an invitation to big league camp during 2023 Spring Training.
Although Heyward was signed to a Minor League deal, he conceivably could fill the left-handed bat and center fielder the Dodgers are said to be in search of this offseason. However, that would not only require the veteran outfielder to make the roster but also bounce back from struggling over the past two seasons.
The Cubs released Heyward last month despite owing him $22 million for the final season of an eight-year, $184 million contract he signed in December 2015. The long-term deal included opt outs after both the 2018 and 2019 seasons, though Heyward declined to exercise them.
Heyward’s tenure with the Cubs was marred by inconsistency at the plate, with 2018 and 2020 his most successful seasons with the team. Although, he was said to have helped inspire the clubhouse in the midst of a rain delay during Game 7 of the 2016 World Series.
After enjoying a successful 2020 season, Heyward hit a combined .211/.280/.326 with 20 doubles, three triples, nine home runs and 40 RBI in 152 games over the past two years.
Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer revealed this past August that the team planned to provide Heyward his unconditional release come the offseason. Heyward at the time was on the 15-day injured list due to left knee inflammation and he did not play again in 2022.
The 33-year-old was an All-Star for the Atlanta Braves during his rookie season in 2010, and has won five Gold Glove Awards, but the last of which came in 2017.
Can Jason Heyward play center field for the Dodgers?
Heyward played 26 games (23 starts) in center field for the Cubs this past season, which was a position he hadn’t manned since 2019.
Heyward had a -1.8 Ultimate Zone Rating as a center fielder this year and 1 Outs Above Average.
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