Dodgers’ Jason Heyward Is a Free Agent

Veteran outfielder Jason Heyward officially became a free agent on Friday when the Los Angeles Dodgers released him after clearing waivers, according to his player transaction page.

His release came just a few days after his final at-bat in a Dodger uniform which resulted in a tiebreaking, pinch-hit three-run home run in the eighth inning of Tuesday night’s 6-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners.

Manager Dave Roberts told reporters on Friday the conversation he had with Heyward on Wednesday was one of the most difficult ones because the 35-year-old outfielder is among the most respected and well-liked players on the team.

“It was very challenging, probably one of the tougher things I’ve had to do,” Roberts said before Friday night’s series opener against the Tampa Bay Rays. “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. Guys finally came back to health, and we only have so much room.”

Unfortunately, there were only three bench spots available when Chris Taylor returned from the injured list and Heyward was the odd man out. He only plays one position, while the other three were either extremely versatile — or four-time Gold Glove-winning center fielder Kevin Kiermaier.

Heyward batted just .208 with a .682 OPS, hitting six home runs and driving in 28 runs over 63 games in a platoon role. After Mookie Betts returned from a left hand fracture on Aug. 12 and moved back to right field from shortstop, he was mostly relegated to pinch-hitting duties.

“It was definitely thought about,” Roberts said. “I think it’s one of those things where C.T. was ready to come back, and you’re trying to appreciate the fact that he’s not hurt anymore. He’s ready to come back, and that was kind of the driver of it.”

Taylor hit only .167 with a .542 OPS, three homers, and 15 RBIs in 64 games entering Friday, and he struck out in 62 of his 162 at-bats but he has had several big playoff moments. He has a .248 average, .805 OPS, nine homers, 13 doubles, and 26 RBIs in 67 career postseason games.

Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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