The Los Angeles Dodgers announced the signing of Andrew Heaney to a one-year contract, representing their first addition in free agency this winter. Heaney’s deal is worth a reported $8.5 million.
He’s coming off another subpar season but is said to have fielded interest from more than 10 teams prior to agreeing to a contract with the Dodgers. His signing represents a reunion as L.A. previously acquired Heaney as part of a trade with the Miami Marlins in December 2014.
However, Heaney’s time with the organization lasted all but a few hours as he was then traded to the L.A. Angels for Howie Kendrick.
Heaney remained with the Angels until being sent to the New York Yankees at the trade deadline this year. The left-hander went a combined 8-9 with a 5.83 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 30 games (23 starts).
The Yankees hoped he would help stabilize their starting rotation, but Heaney struggled and was placed in the bullpen. That still didn’t produce many positive results, which prompted the Yankees to option Heaney to their Rookie Level affiliate at the end of September and he was not with the team during the postseason.
Heaney was designated for assignment during the first week of October and elected free agency rather than accepting an outright Minor League assignment.
He’s a lifetime 32-28 with a 4.72 ERA, 6.93 FIP and 1.35 WHIP in 121 games (112 starts) over parts of eight seasons with the Marlins, Angels and Yankees.
What do Dodgers see in Heaney?
Adding the left-hander is more about depth than a potential replacement for Kershaw and Scherzer. And looking past surface level statistics, it’s evident why the team is taking a chance on what could be a high-upside play.
The 30-year-old struck out 10.4 batters per nine innings and finished in the 91st percentile in chase rate this year. Heaney’s four-seam fastball spin rate was in the 90th percentile, which put him in the same territory as Lucas Giolito and Josh Hader.
The Dodgers have a history of succeeding with helping pitchers revive themselves and hope a few tweaks will help the former No. 9 draft pick realize his potential.
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