Former Dodgers Outfielder Signing With NL West Rival for 2025 Season
Former outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Jason Heyward, has landed with the defending champion’s biggest rival. The San Diego Padres signed Heyward to a one-year deal Friday night.
Heyward spent the majority of the 2024 season with the Dodgers, but was designated for assignment in August. The departure of Heyward was difficult as he was a respected figure in the Dodgers clubhouse. Manager Dave Roberts spoke about the team’s decision to designate the outfielder for assignment.
“It was very challenging, probably one of the tougher things I’ve had to do,” Roberts said. “What Jason did for the Dodgers in a year and a half was pretty remarkable, on the field, in the clubhouse, in the community, and his fingerprint will be everlasting.”
“It was a very difficult decision, but we had a roster crunch,” Roberts continued. “Guys finally came back to health, and we only have so much room.”
Heyward then joined the Houston Astros for the remainder of the season. Heyward spoke on his decision to join the Dodgers’ rivals soon after, citing another chance to play meaningful baseball.
“I received a good amount of interest. The toughest part in my mind was just — not a lot of time to make a decision,” Heyward said in August. “Honestly, I thought there was a good chance I was going home, my family and I would go back to Chicago and see what the offseason brings. But teams did call. Houston called. And I feel like it was honestly the most realistic path for a chance to play every day.
“But just a real chance to play here, be in the outfield, kind of move around in all three outfield spots. That was the conversation. And to me, I just want to make the most of that opportunity. And that’s kind of what allowed me to say, well, let’s keep playing and let’s go out here and try to win.”
Now, Heyward joins the Dodgers’ little brother in San Diego. The veteran is expected to split time in left field with Connor Joe, another recent signing for the Padres.
The Dodgers face the Padres for the first time in the 2025 regular season on June 10. While Heyward isn’t wearing Dodger blue any longer, the team will get a chance to see him frequently throughout the year.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
