Former outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Jason Heyward, has landed with the defending champion’s greatest rival. The San Diego Padres signed Heyward to a one-year deal Friday evening.
Heyward spent nearly all of the 2024 season with the Dodgers, however was designated for task in August. The departure of Heyward was troublesome as he was a revered determine within the Dodgers clubhouse. Supervisor Dave Roberts spoke in regards to the staff’s determination to designate the outfielder for task.
“It was very difficult, in all probability one of many harder issues I’ve needed to do,” Roberts mentioned. “What Jason did for the Dodgers in a 12 months and a half was fairly exceptional, on the sphere, within the clubhouse, in the neighborhood, and his fingerprint can be eternal.”
“It was a really troublesome determination, however we had a roster crunch,” Roberts continued. “Guys lastly got here again to well being, and we solely have a lot room.”
Heyward then joined the Houston Astros for the rest of the season. Heyward spoke on his determination to hitch the Dodgers’ rivals quickly after, citing one other probability to play significant baseball.
“I acquired a superb quantity of curiosity. The hardest half in my thoughts was simply — not a number of time to decide,” Heyward mentioned in August. “Actually, I believed there was a superb probability I used to be going residence, my household and I’d return to Chicago and see what the offseason brings. However groups did name. Houston referred to as. And I really feel prefer it was truthfully probably the most practical path for an opportunity to play day-after-day.
“However only a actual probability to play right here, be within the outfield, type of transfer round in all three outfield spots. That was the dialog. And to me, I simply need to take advantage of that chance. And that’s type of what allowed me to say, nicely, let’s maintain enjoying and let’s exit right here and attempt to win.”
Now, Heyward joins the Dodgers’ little brother in San Diego. The veteran is predicted to separate time in left subject with Connor Joe, one other latest signing for the Padres.
The Dodgers face the Padres for the primary time within the 2025 common season on June 10. Whereas Heyward isn’t sporting Dodger blue any longer, the staff will get an opportunity to see him ceaselessly all year long.
Picture Credit score: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports activities
