According to The Athletic, the San Diego Padres have agreed to a deal with former Chicago Cubs star Jason Heyward to help fix their outfield depth problem.
The team has not issued a formal announcement. According to the source, the Padres are looking to sign another outfielder, Connor Joe.
Heyward played for the Cubs from 2016 to 2022, before joining the Dodgers for the 2023 season.
Since leaving Chicago, his production has fluctuated. He played regularly for the Dodgers in 2023, predominantly in right field, and slashed.269/340/.473/.813, including 15 home runs and 40 RBI. It was his most powerful season since 2019, when he hit 21 home runs and had 62 RBI.
Last season was more difficult. He slashed.In 63 games, he batted 208/.289/.393/.682, with six home runs and 28 RBIs. He lost playing time, and the Dodgers eventually designated him for assignment before releasing him.
He arrived in Houston as a free agent, as the Astros were seeking for depth in their outfield. His slash line improved somewhat —.218/.283/.473/.756 — with four home runs and nine RBI in 24 games. He did help the Astros win the American League West.
Houston made no moves to sign him, so the 35-year-old became a free agent.
Heyward signed an eight-year, $184 million contract with the Cubs prior to the 2016 season.
In seven seasons with the Cubs, he hit.245/.323/.377/.700, with 62 home runs and 289 RBI. He also earned two Gold Gloves with the Cubs. He is still a good defender, but at this stage in his career, he is more likely a left-handed hitting platoon outfielder who can DH and fill in as a defensive replacement in the late innings.
Heyward is a 15-year veteran who first joined Atlanta in 2010. He was an All-Star and placed second in the Rookie of the Year voting in 2010. He is a five-time Gold Glove outfielder who has not won one since 2017.
Currently, Chicago’s outfield situation is stable. The Cubs dealt three players to the Astros for right fielder Kyle Tucker, then traded Cody Bellinger to the Yankees to create place for Pete Crow-Armstrong as the starting centre fielder. Ian Happ, a three-time Gold Glove winner, will start in leftfield.
Seiya Suzuki, who has started for the Cubs, is also a capable fourth outfielder and occasional designated hitter. The remainder of the outfield depth chart is populated with young players and prospects, including top outfield prospect Owen Caissie.
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