Dodgers News: Andrew Friedman Praises Jason Heyward’s Impact on 2023 Roster

The Dodgers signed outfielder Jason Heyward in the 2022 offseason, and his impact on the team has transcended just his play on the field.

The 34-year-old has produced at a high level this season, batting .283 and hitting 15 home runs in 113 games with the Dodgers. He went 4-for-5 with three doubles in the Dodgers’ 6-2 extra-innings win over the Seattle Mariners on Saturday, which clinched the NL West for the 10th time in the last 11 years for LA. And he added 3 more hits on Sunday, helping the Dodgers sweep the Mariners.

While Heyward has certainly been a major asset on the field, his attitude toward the game is rubbing off on a budding Dodgers star.

Outfielder James Outman has exploded onto the scene in his first full season playing in the major leagues. In 138 games, Outman is batting .245 with 21 home runs and 66 RBIs. He has added 14 doubles and three triples in the process.

Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman said that Heyward has contributed to building a positive culture in the Dodgers clubhouse.

“What J-Hey has brought to this club, the culture around this team is one of the best I’ve ever been around in 18, 19 years of doing this. Even when things weren’t going perfectly for us, there was a grind about this group that gave us confidence. It made us focused on all we could do to try to bring in whatever we could to help supplement this team just because of how special this group is. And J-Hey is right in the thick of it. I cannot begin to say how much he’s meant for James Outman. When we look back at James Outman’s impact on this year, in the years ahead, J-Hey’s fingerprints are all over it.”

(Via Dodger Talk podcast)

As a veteran in his 14th professional season, Heyward has taken the young rookie under his wing. Having Heyward as a mentor has proved invaluable for Outman.

“He’s meant a lot,” Outman said. “We’re always going over at-bats and going over pitchers and going over how to go over your everyday life as a big leaguer. He’s had so much experience doing it. I look up to him when it comes to stuff like that.”

(Via AM570)

Heyward is an example of a consummate professional who knows the value of leading by example as well as being a resource for younger players navigating the difficulties of playing professional baseball.

“He’s a real pro,” Outman said. “He shows up, gets his work done, works smart and he’s always open to lending a helping hand when anyone wants it.”

(Via AM570)

The Dodgers have 15 more games until the postseason and their chance for a second World Series title in four seasons.

Photo Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

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