When the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Jason Heyward to a Minor League contract during the offseason, most viewed it as a move to add organizational depth.
The exception to that was Freddie Freeman, who influenced the Dodgers to sign Heyward, and raved about the work the veteran outfielder had done to overhaul his swing. Dodgers coaches similarly began to praise Heyward early into Spring Training.
A strong showing to begin Cactus League play prompted manager Dave Roberts to acknowledge the 33-year-old was ahead of fellow non-roster invitees. That was followed by Roberts calling Heyward a “safe bet” to make the Dodgers Opening Day roster.
Along with announcing Outman would be included on the Opening Day roster, Roberts additionally confirmed Heyward is poised to be with the team to begin the season as well, via Juan Toribio of MLB.com
With Jason Heyward, who will also be on the Opening Day roster according to Roberts, the Dodgers had enough left-handed bats on the roster.
Like Outman and others who were vying for the final position-player spots on the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster, Heyward cooled at the plate as Spring Training wore on. However, he proved plenty capable of playing quality defense at all three outfield positions and the Dodgers remained pleased with Heyward’s approach at the plate and work with his swing.
With a roster spot secured, Heyward looks to bounce back from a disappointing finish to his Chicago Cubs career. He was released by the Cubs despite having $22 million owed in the final season of an eight-year, $184 million contract signed in December 2015.
Heyward is widely credited for having played a motivational role in the Cubs winning the 2016 World Series, but his on-field production in ensuing seasons was inconsistent before tailing off the past two years.
Adding Jason Heyward to 40-man roster
Prior to Heyward being part of the Dodgers active roster to begin the season, he first must be added to their 40-man roster.
That shouldn’t prove too problematic, however, as Gavin Lux can be put on the 60-day injured list as he will miss the entire 2023 season after undergoing surgery for a torn ACL and LCL in his right knee.
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