What Jason Heyward could bring to the Dodgers in 2023

As the Los Angeles Dodgers gear up for the 2023 season, there are a lot of questions about who will make the team’s roster. One player who could very well find himself on the team is Jason Heyward, the veteran outfielder who has spent the last few seasons with the Chicago Cubs but was released this offseason.

Here are some reasons why Jason Heyward could make the Los Angeles Dodgers roster in 2023.

First and foremost, Heyward is still a solid player. While he may not be the superstar he was earlier in his career, he remains a productive player who can contribute both offensively (sorta) and defensively. In 2022, he hit .204/.278/.277 and posted a .556 OPS. They are not great stats, but he did provide a strong defense in the outfield.

While those batting numbers may not jump off the page, the Dodgers are still okay with Heyward having a track record of being a reliable player throughout his career. He has consistently demonstrated his defensive prowess throughout his career and has received accolades for his performance on the field.

One of baseball’s most commonly used defensive metrics is ultimate zone rating (UZR). This statistic measures a player’s defensive value based on the number of runs they save through defensive actions. Heyward has consistently ranked among the top outfielders in UZR throughout his career. FanGraphs says his career UZR is 108.8, which means he has saved nearly 109 runs more than the average outfielder.

Another widely used defensive metric is defensive runs saved (DRS). This statistic measures a player’s overall defensive value by combining their range, arm, and other defensive skills. Heyward has also excelled in this category, consistently ranking among the league leaders in DRS among outfielders. According to Baseball Reference, he has saved 151 runs over his career through his defensive efforts.

Another factor in Heyward’s favor is his versatility. While he has primarily played right field throughout his career, he has also spent time in center field and left field, giving the Dodgers some flexibility in their outfield alignment. With the team having a lot of talented outfielders, having someone like Heyward, who can play multiple positions, could be a valuable asset.

Of course, some things could make it hard for Heyward to make the team’s roster.

For one, the Dodgers have a lot of outfield depth, with players like Mookie Betts, David Peralta, Trayce Thompson, and Chris Taylor likely to be regulars in the lineup. Additionally, the team may want to give playing time to some of their younger prospects, like James Outman or Andy Pages, who could also play in the outfield.

Overall, whether or not Jason Heyward makes the Dodgers’ roster in 2023 remains to be seen. But with his solid on-field production, veteran leadership, and versatility, he certainly has a case for making the team. It will be interesting to see how the Dodgers’ outfield situation plays out over the next year or so and whether Heyward will be a part of it.