A roster crunch that had already claimed the likes of James Paxton, Ricky Vanasco, Yohan Ramírez, Cavan Biggio, Amed Rosario, Brent Honeywell and Nick Ahmed, among others, came calling for Jason Heyward on Thursday.
Heyward was DFA’d by the Dodgers as the corresponding move to Chris Taylor being activated off the 10-day injured list. The veteran outfielder effectively was the odd man out when compared to Kevin Kiermaier and perhaps to a lesser extent, Taylor and Kiké Hernández as well.
But while the Dodgers parted ways with Heyward, it was not a decision they took lightly or made out of any ill will. Manager Dave Roberts described his conversation with Heyward to inform him of the roster move as “very challenging.”
“What Jason did for the Dodgers in a year in a half was pretty remarkable; on the field, in the clubhouse, in the community. His fingerprint will be everlasting, in my opinion. Very difficult decision,” Roberts added.
“It was a roster crunch. Guys finally came back to health, and we only have so much room. It was one of those things where the versatility that we have on the roster, Mookie going out to right field, any conversation that we would’ve had with anyone on our roster right now would’ve been extremely difficult.
“Unfortunately, it had to be Jason. I’m forever grateful and I know the guys are. Probably one of the tougher things I’ve ever had to do.”
Heyward first joined the Dodgers organization before the 2023 season on a Minor League deal. He made their Opening Day roster and put together a resurgent season.
The Dodgers rewarded Heyward by re-signing him on a one-year, $9 million contract. But the 35-year-old failed to duplicate last season’s success and dealt with multiple injuries in 2024.
Heyward batted .249/.322/.446 with 33 doubles, 21 home runs and 68 RBI in 187 games over parts of two seasons with the Dodgers.
Jason Heyward impacted Dodgers
Further indication of how much the clubhouse valued Heyward was voting him the winner of the 18th annual Roy Campanella Award last season. It’s given each year to one player from the team who best exemplifies the spirit and leadership of the late Hall of Fame catcher.
Heyward joined Rafael Furcal (2006), Jamey Carroll (2010) and Freddie Freeman (2022) as the only first-year Dodgers to receive the honor.
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