In a somewhat shocking move, the Dodgers have announced that Jason Heyward has been designated for assignment.
Sources: The Dodgers have designated Jason Heyward for assignment.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) August 22, 2024
When Jason Heyward came up with the Atlanta Braves organization, he quickly became one of the most highly touted prospects of the last 20 years, with some scouts even comparing him to the great Hank Aaron.
Immediately, Heyward found success at the major-league level, representing the National League in the All-Star Game and winning NL Rookie of the Year. He was pegged as the Braves next star and the hope was that he would help carry the torch for the organization as guys like Chipper Jones headed for retirement.
It didn’t quite turn out like that. Jason Heyward hasn’t made another All-Star Game since and was traded to the Cardinals after just five years with the team. That’s not to say he hasn’t had a fantastic career, though. He’s made gobs of money, won five Gold Gloves along with a World Series with the Cubs. Plus, he’s managed to play in the league for 15 years. It’s a career most everyone would like to call theirs, and while it’s coming to an end, a reunion in Atlanta to finish it off makes too much sense.
Jason Heyward wasn’t having the best of seasons with the Dodgers, hitting just .208 with six homers over 63 games. However, his .682 OPS is palatable, and he’s coming off a season in which he posted an .813 OPS over 124 games in Los Angeles.
Beyond that, who are the Braves to turn their nose at a player of Heyward’s caliber right now? He’s better than multiple guys on the current roster, even if he wouldn’t be an everyday player, and his presence alone would add some much-needed juice to the clubhouse.
There aren’t going to be many better options that become available over the next week. This just feels like a move that makes too much sense from every perspective.
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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