An early storyline of 2023 Los Angeles Dodgers Spring Training has been Jason Heyward and his reworked swing as the veteran outfielder looks to make the Opening Day roster.
Heyward signed a Minor League contract with the Dodgers after being released by the Chicago Cubs despite owing him $22 million for the final season of an eight-year, $184 million contract signed in December 2015. Heyward’s long-term deal with the Cubs deal included opt outs after both the 2018 and 2019 seasons, neither of which were exercised.
Heyward had a strong showing during the 2020 season, but the following year had only a .214 batting average to go along with a .627 on-base plus slugging percentage over 104 games. While battling multiple injuries, Heyward played in only 48 games last season and had a lowly .555 OPS.
Heyward’s revamped batting stance and swing provided a Spring Training highlight in the Dodgers’ first full-squad workout as he hit a home run off Tony Gonsolin during live batting practice, via Rowan Kavner of Fox Sports:
The swing adjustments looked good there. Jason Heyward takes Gonsolin deep. pic.twitter.com/CimljMs3Wb
— Rowan Kavner (@RowanKavner) February 20, 2023
Freddie Freeman provided the first bit of insight on Heyward changing his swing this offseason. “I’ve known him since I was 16 years old. I know what’s in there, I know he’s got a lot to prove. He’s got a little chip on his shoulder,” Freeman recently said.
“I know he wants to come in and compete for a job. I hit with him, and it’s a very nice sound coming off the bat. He looks really good. He made some adjustments in his swing, his hands are a lot more quiet, and I think he’s going to be able to get to the ball a lot easier.
“He just looks so relaxed and comfortable with the adjustments he made. I’m hoping for a big spring from him and he gets on our team.”
How can Jason Heyward make Dodgers roster?
In order for Heyward to be included on the Dodgers roster for Opening Day of the 2023 season, he first would need to be added to the 40-man roster. Doing so became slightly easier last week when the Dodgers placed Walker Buehler, J.P. Feyereisen and Blake Treinen on the 60-day injured lsit.
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