The Los Angeles Dodgers went into the offseason facing a clear need in their starting rotation due to Tyler Anderson, Andrew Heaney and Clayton Kershaw all reaching free agency.
Each of the three southpaws were candidates to be extended the $19.65 million qualifying offer for 2023, though the Dodgers only wound up doing so with Anderson. Hours after the deadline to give the qualifying offer to eligible free agents, Kershaw and the Dodgers agreed to a one-year contract.
Meanwhile, Anderson rejected the deal and promptly signed a three-year, $39 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels.
As for Heaney, he drew considerable interest over recent days and became the latest to sign during MLB’s Winter Meetings in San Diego.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Texas Rangers are adding onto Jacob deGrom by signing Heaney:
Free-agent left-hander Andrew Heaney in agreement with Rangers, pending physical, sources tell @TheAthletic.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 6, 2022
Heaney’s contract with the Rangers is for two years and $25 million, with bonuses that can increase its final value closer to $40 million and an opt-out clause after the 2023 season, per Joel Sherman of the New York Post:
Heaney 2 years $25M with Rangers. Chance to get to $40M-ish with bonuses. Can opt out after 2023
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 6, 2022
Prior to Heaney’s agreement with Rangers, it was reported he had already received multiple contract offers, including from the Toronto Blue Jays. The Dodgers were said to have interest in a reunion with the left-hander as well.
His decision to sign a short-term deal represented a change in sentiment from the first day of the Winter Meetings, when it was reported Heaney sought upwards of a four-year contract.
Just as the Dodgers hoped, Heaney bounced back from a rough year to together a productive 2022 season. He was limited by two separate shoulder injuries, but still pitched to a 3.10 ERA, 3.75 FIP, and 1.09 WHIP over 16 games (14 starts).
Among starting pitchers with at least 60 innings, Heaney had the third-highest strikeout-to-walk ratio at 28.5%, behind only deGrom and Atlanta Braves rookie Spencer Strider.
Heaney was a valuable contributor in the Dodgers rotation until the end of the season when he made consecutive relief appearances to prepare for a new role in the playoffs. The 31-year-old allowed just one run and had four strikeouts over three innings out of the bullpen during his lone appearance in the National League Division Series.
Andrew Heaney appreciated opportunity with Dodgers
At the time of signing a one-year contract with the Dodgers last winter, Heaney said he was confident the organization would help him get back on track.
He continued to rave about his time with the organization throughout the season, including when the Dodgers clinched a spot in the postseason and after his chance to pitch in the NLDS.
Heaney joins Anderson, Tommy Kahnle and Chris Martin as Dodgers free-agent pitchers who are not returning with the team.
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