Los Angeles Dodgers make surprising move, designate veteran outfielder Jason Heyward for assignment

The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a somewhat surprising move, officially designating veteran outfielder Jason Heyward for assignment.

Jason Heyward DFA’d by Los Angeles Dodgers

Thank you Jason for your hard work, leadership and everything you’ve done for the Dodgers. pic.twitter.com/ov4qEJ6xU8

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 22, 2024

Heyward hit .269 with 15 home runs, 40 RBI and an .813 OPS in his first season with the Dodgers last year. The Dodgers signed Heyward to a 1-year, $9 million deal this past offseason but now it appears he’s the odd-man out in the outfield.

Heyward hit just .208 with six home runs and held a .682 OPS in 63 games with Los Angeles this season. With the Dodgers looking for a roster spot and deciding between Kevin Kiermaier and Heyward, it’s now clear they have elected to stick with Kiermaier over the veteran outfielder.

Chris Taylor is set to return from his rehab assignment this week- who has been out since July 25 with a groin strain. Taylor is batting just .167 with a .542 OPS in 162 at-bats this season with the Dodgers. The 33-year old is hardly an upgrade over anyone, but L.A. clearly thinks he can provide more to the Dodgers, who have the best record in Major League Baseball. 

Jason Heyward was an All-Star in 2010 and won five Gold Glove Awards. Even with a rough stat line this season, he continues to prove that he can provide some pop in a limited role on any Major League Baseball team. He literally just crushed a massive pinch-hit home run on Tuesday night against the Seattle Mariners to lift the Dodgers to a 6-3 victory – his second pinch-hit homer this season and the third of his career.

JASON HEYWARD BLASTS A PINCH-HIT GO-AHEAD SHOT 💥 pic.twitter.com/ozpjvwzx1R

— MLB (@MLB) August 21, 2024

Heyward has hit .257 with 180 homers and a .748 OPS over his MLB career – which started with the Atlanta Braves. He won the World Series with the Cubs in 2016.

Join The Chase