The Los Angeles Dodgers added Jason Heyward on a no-risk deal with the Chicago Cubs still paying Heyward for the 2023 season. Los Angeles needed outfield depth and Heyward needed a second chance after injuries and hitting struggles derailed his career with the Cubs.
The same Cubs that Heyward had a memorable debut against hammering a home run in his first career at-bat with the Atlanta Braves. Heyward had a solid career in Atlanta, spending five seasons with the Braves, hitting 84 homers and driving in 292 runs while playing superb defense.
Heyward spent the 2015 season with the Cardinals before spending the last seven seasons in Chicago. Overall, Heyward’s career with the Cubs failed to live up to expectations, ending with the last two seasons with Heyward’s playing time dropping alongside his production. It was a sad end for a player who had a lot of great moments in Atlanta and memorable plays with St. Louis and Chicago.
Dodgers reaping benefits of taking a chance on Jason Heyward
The Dodgers gave Heyward a chance to revive his career on a prove-it deal, with the first week of the season watching him take full advantage of the opportunity, hitting two homers in his first nine at-bats with his bat speed and swing looking reminiscent of his early seasons with Atlanta.
Heyward has quickly become one of the best stories of the first week of the season, looking perfectly at home in Dodger blue and making his presence felt. Perhaps on a far better roster with low expectations and a fanbase focused on its star players, Heyward will thrive returning to the player he was three years ago.
No question, Heyward’s early success is one of the feel-good stories of the first week of the season and gives Dodgers fans hope they will find surprise production from a player who is making the most of what appeared to be a final chance to put his career back on track.