Home Baseball Freddie Freeman: The Dodgers Clubhouse Was Better Off With Jason Heyward

Freddie Freeman: The Dodgers Clubhouse Was Better Off With Jason Heyward

Baseball — 12/01/2023

Jason Heyward was signed to a minor league deal by the Los Angeles Dodgers in an effort to increase the depth of their outfield during the previous offseason.

After two dismal seasons with the Chicago Cubs, the five-time Gold Glove Award winner was reluctant to take a chance on his former Atlanta Braves colleague, but Freddie Freeman helped persuade the Dodgers executive management to give it a shot.

Heyward had a breakout season in 2023, hitting a respectable 269/.340/.473 in 124 games with 23 doubles, 15 home runs, and 40 RBI. The 34-year-old was chosen as the Roy Campanella Award winner for 2023 and also showed leadership qualities in the clubhouse.

According to SportsNet LA, Freeman gushed about Heyward’s influence on the Dodgers clubhouse in 2023 and expressed happiness that the baseball office took his advice.

Yes, that is just me; I wouldn’t characterize that as an evaluation. I wanted him back on my team since he is my best friend. However, Jason excelled this year. Clearly, I will continue to support him till those cleats fall off. I was therefore overjoyed that he could join us this year and that everyone had the opportunity to see Jason Heyward for the athlete and, more importantly, the person he is. In my opinion, he had a greater impact on individuals off the field than on it. I was ecstatic to have him in our organization, and although I’m not sure what the upcoming offseason will bring, I want to see him wearing a Dodgers uniform next season.

Heyward’s leadership and production on the field made it probable that the teams would try to get back together this offseason. Heyward re-signed with the organization for the 2024 season on a one-year, $9 million contract, according to several reports.

Heyward will likely remain a member of a platoon now that he is back, which will enable the Dodgers to move Mookie Betts to second base.

Reaction of the Dodgers to Jason Heyward’s resigningBobby Miller, James Outman, Alex Vesia, and Bobby Miller all expressed gratitude on their individual Instagram profiles in the wake of reports that the Dodgers had re-signed Heyward.