The Dodgers launched Jason Heyward, per the MLB.com transaction log. It was very probably that Heyward would grow to be a free agent after L.A. designated him for project on Thursday.
Heyward’s DFA got here as a shock even for a staff that had already jettisoned deadline pickup Amed Rosario. Whereas Heyward hasn’t had an ideal season, he was an above-average contributor in a platoon capability a yr in the past. The veteran outfielder hit .269/.340/.473 with 15 homers in 377 plate appearances in 2023. His numbers are down this yr, as he carries a .208/.289/.393 mark throughout 197 journeys to the plate.
Most of that downturn is attributable to a career-low .224 common on balls in play. Heyward’s strikeout and stroll profile is actually the identical because it was a yr in the past. His arduous contact share is up greater than six factors relative to final season. The upper exit velocities have include a spike in ground-balls, although, which isn’t a super development for a pull hitter in his mid-30s.
Heyward is not a Gold Glove caliber outfielder, however he stays a stable defender in proper subject. Statcast has graded him at league common in 434 innings. Defensive Runs Saved has him three runs above par. One other staff might view Heyward as a complementary platoon bat who can step instantly onto their huge league roster.
The Dodgers are on the hook for what stays of Heyward’s $9MM wage for this season. A signing staff would solely be liable for the prorated portion of the $740K league minimal. It stands to cause that Heyward’s camp will search for a deal rapidly now that he’s on the open market. He’d must signal elsewhere by the top of the month (on both an MLB or minor league contract) to be eligible for the postseason with a brand new staff.
