Dodgers Team News

Dodgers News: Jason Heyward Talks Freddie Freeman At This Stage of His Career

Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman and non-roster invitee Jason Heyward have known each other since they were teenagers. They were Atlanta’s first two picks in the 2007 draft, and they worked their way through the minors together and ultimately both debuted in the big leagues in 2010.

Heyward was traded by the Braves to the Cardinals in late 2014, while Freeman stuck around much longer, through the 2021 season. But one thing they have in common is they both saw their time in Atlanta end because of their pesky desire to be paid what they were worth.



Heyward doesn’t seem to hold any ill will — if he ever did, it’s been over eight years now, so he’s had time to work through his feelings — but when he’s asked to talk about where Freeman is in his career, there’s no nostalgia for the Braves.

“He’s right where he should be. Playing for a historic franchise with an opportunity to win a ring in the middle of a lineup that can do a lot of damage. He wants to play, he loves the game. It’s awesome to see.”

Freeman was instrumental in the Dodgers bringing in Heyward this offseason, and the two seem genuinely thrilled to share a locker room again. They’re at different stages in their careers, with Freeman going into year two of a lucrative six-year deal and Heyward trying to make the 40-man roster out of spring training, but the bond of friendship remains as strong as ever.

One thing that could strengthen it even more? Winning a World Series together in 2023.

You can see Doug’s entire interview with Heyward below.

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Jeff Snider

Jeff was born into a Dodgers family in Southern California and is now raising a Dodgers family of his own in Utah. During his previous career as an executive at a technology company, he began writing about baseball in his spare time. After leaving corporate America in 2014, he started doing it professionally. Jeff wrote and edited for Baseball Essential for years before joining Dodgers Nation. He's also the co-host of the Locked On Dodgers podcast, a daily podcast that brings the smart fan's perspective on our Boys in Blue. Jeff has a degree in English from Brigham Young University. Favorite Player: Clayton Kershaw Favorite Moment: Kirk Gibson's homer will always have a place, but Kershaw's homer on Opening Day 2013 might be the winner.

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