Jason Heyward nearing deal with prominent Dodgers rival following recent DFA

Less than a week after the Los Angeles Dodgers designated him for assignment, Jason Heyward is reportedly nearing a deal with the Houston Astros.

According to a report from Brian McTaggart of MLB.com, the Astros are "close" to signing the veteran outfielder, who was released by the Dodgers over the weekend after being DFA'd on Aug. 22. Houston has struggled to find consistent outfield production this year and will need to make corresponding moves to open a spot for Heyward on both the 40-man roster and the active roster once the deal is finalized.

Heyward slashed .269/.340/.473 with 15 homers in 377 plate appearances with the Dodgers in 2023, but saw a sharp downturn in his numbers this year with a .208/.289/.393 slash line across 197 plate appearances before being released by Los Angeles.

The Dodgers' difficult roster decisions began when Mookie Betts returned from the injured list. He had been serving as the club’s everyday shortstop prior to getting injured, but the decision was made to move him back to his customary right field spot for the stretch run and postseason. With Teoscar Hernández in left and a Tommy Edman-Kevin Kiermaier platoon in center, plus depth outfielder Andy Pages, Heyward became the odd man out and was DFA'd to create space for utility man Chris Taylor's return from the injured list.

Jason Heyward joining prominent Dodgers rival adds insult to injury

Heyward, currently playing in his 15th MLB season, has hit .257 with 180 homers and a .748 OPS in his major league career. He won the World Series with the Chicago Cubs in 2016, ending the team's 108-year championship drought (and delivering a well-remembered motivational speech during Game 7's rain delay).

The Dodgers are still on the hook for what remains of Heyward’s $9 million salary for this season. The Astros will only be responsible for paying him the prorated portion of the $740,000 league minimum. Heyward was a veteran dugout presence and a fan favorite in Los Angeles, so Dodgers fans hoped that, for his sake, he would land with contender.

But ... did it really have to be the Astros?

More Dodgers content from Dodgers Way