The San Diego Padres have added a senior presence to their outfield, signing former Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves outfielder Jason Heyward. Heyward, 35, is likely to share time in left field with another recent Padres signing, Connor Joe.
The financial parameters of Heyward’s contract have not been published, although it is thought to be a one-year major league deal. The Padres now have space on their 40-man roster, making the transition simple.
Heyward is coming off a 2024 season split with the Dodgers and Houston Astros. He struggled to recreate his great 2023 season, batting.211 with 10 home runs and 37 RBIs in 87 games. The Dodgers designated him for assignment in late August, resulting in his release. He quickly signed with Houston, where he hit.218 with four home runs in 24 games before making the playoffs.
Despite his lower offensive output last season, Heyward is a recognized clubhouse leader with outstanding defensive abilities. His platoon role alongside Joe should provide the Padres a balanced left-field presence. Heyward shines against right-handed pitching, while Joe has performed well against lefties, making the pairing a natural fit.
The Padres sign a few veterans, including Jason Heyward and Connor Joe.
Heyward’s deal caps a quiet but consistent offseason for the Padres. The team has recruited veteran catcher Elias Díaz and is still slightly above the luxury tax threshold, which could lead to more moves, such as a trade to clear payroll.
The former first-round pick adds plenty of experience to San Diego. Heyward was drafted by the Braves and made an early impact in the majors, earning an All-Star selection as a rookie in 2010. He eventually joined the St. Louis Cardinals before signing a hefty eight-year, $184 million contract with the Chicago Cubs in 2016. Though he struggled offensively in Chicago, he played an important leadership role in the Cubs’ 2016 World Series victory, delivering a legendary rain-delay speech that inspired the club to victory in Game 7.
After being released by the Cubs following the 2022 season, Heyward rebounded with the Dodgers in 2023, hitting.269 with 15 home runs and an.813 OPS. His 2024 season was hampered by injuries, including a lower back problem and a bone bruise in his knee, which limited his influence at the plate.
Heyward now joins the Padres, who are aiming to stay competitive in the NL West. His leadership and expertise should help the club manage a transition time following the departures of important players such as Juan Soto and Blake Snell. While his days as an everyday starter are over, Heyward still has the potential to deliver consistent output in a part-time position. If he can rediscover some of his 2023 form, his acquisition might be a smart under-the-radar move for San Diego.
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