The Los Angeles Dodgers made the difficult decision to designate Jason Heyward for assignment as the corresponding move to Chris Taylor being activated off the 10-day injured list last week.
Heyward was the latest victim of a roster crunch that has already claimed the likes of James Paxton, Ricky Vanasco, Yohan Ramírez, Amed Rosario, Brent Honeywell and Nick Ahmed, among others.
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.
Heyward was a beloved member of the Dodgers clubhouse and Miguel Rojas said it will take some time to process the roster move, via Doug Padilla of the Southern California News Group:
“It’s going to take a little while for us to kind of understand that one, but our job right now as a professional is to keep moving forward and keep focusing on what we need to focus on,” Rojas said of the roster move.
Rojas also said that he is going to ask Freddie Freeman if he wants him to move closer to his locker because there now is space between them due to Heyward no longer being with the team:
“I’m going to talk to Freddie in a little bit to see if he wants me to move over and be a little closer to him,” Rojas said.
Freeman and Heyward are longtime friends dating back to their time in the Atlanta Braves organization. Freeman played a role in the Dodgers signing Heyward to a Minor League contract before the 2023 season.
After a resurgent campaign, the Dodgers rewarded Heyward by re-signing him to a one-year, $9 million contract. But the 35-year-old failed to replicate 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.
Dave Roberts explains Jason Heyward DFA decision
Dodgers 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 was released by the Dodgers after clearing waivers. He’s now a free agent and can sign with any team.
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