The Los Angeles Dodgers bolstered their outfield depth last offseason with the signing of Jason Heyward to a Minor League contract.
The five-time Gold Glove Award winner was coming off back-to-back disappointing seasons with the Chicago Cubs, but received an endorsement from former Atlanta Braves teammate Freddie Freeman, who helped convince the Dodgers front office to take a flier on Heyward.
It turned out to be a great decision as Heyward enjoyed a resurgent 2023 campaign with the Dodgers. The veteran outfielder received most of his opportunities against right-handed pitching and hit an overall .269/.340/.473 with 23 doubles, 15 home runs and 40 RBI in 124 games.
Heyward was among 12 Dodgers players who reached free agency this week and is in line for a bigger contract compared to last offseason. According to Jack Harris of the L.A. Times, the Dodgers and Heyward share interest in a reunion:
There is believed to be mutual interest between the Dodgers and Jason Heyward in the free-agent outfielder returning for 2024, especially with Betts expected to spend significant time at second base again next season.
While Heyward potentially has a path to more playing time elsewhere, Mookie Betts’ ability to handle his own at the middle infield positions makes a return to the Dodgers more feasible.
In addition to his on-field production, Heyward emerged as an important leader in the clubhouse and was voted the winner of the 2023 Roy Campanella Award, which is given each year to one player from the team who best exemplifies the spirit and leadership of the late Hall of Fame catcher.
Jason Heyward grateful for 2023 season with Dodgers
After the Dodgers’ season came to an end, Heyward reflected on his bounce-back year and thanked fans for their support in an Instagram post.
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