Prior to completing his first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Freddie Freeman began to plant seeds in the front office to put former Atlanta Braves teammate and close friend Jason Heyward on their radar.
Freeman and Heyward worked out together during the offseason, and the Dodgers front office continued to be updated on how the veteran outfielder was faring in bouncing back from being released by the Chicago Cubs. The Dodgers ultimately signed Heyward to a Minor League deal and brought him back in 2024 on a Major League contract.
While Heyward had a productive 2023 season, he failed to carry that into this year and was designated for assignment heading into the weekend.
The Dodgers’ decision was one that reminded Freeman of when the Braves traded Heyward, per Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times
“I text messaged him and said it feels like 2014 all over again,” Freeman said on Saturday, alluding to the trade that sent Heyward from Atlanta to the St. Louis Cardinals. “It’s above my pay grade about what the decisions and all that stuff are, but just personally, it’s sad.”
Freeman added he’s had minimal contact with his close friend over recent days and doesn’t believe Heyward is speaking with other former Dodgers teammates:
“I don’t think he’s talking to anybody,” Freeman said. “I mean, would you guys be wanting to talk if you got fired from your job? I’ve had three text messages [from him], and that’s three more than a lot of other people [have received]. He’s just taking time to be with this family right now, and we’ll see what happens in the next couple of days.”
Heyward hit .249/.322/.446 with 33 doubles, 21 home runs and 68 RBI in 187 games over parts of two seasons with the Dodgers.
His impact was felt throughout the organization, and several players over the past two seasons raved about the guidance Heyward provided.
Further indication of how much the clubhouse valued Heyward was voting him the winner of the 18th annual Roy Campanella Award last season. It’s given each year to one player from the team who best exemplifies the spirit and leadership of the late Hall of Fame catcher.
Heyward, Rafael Furcal (2006), Jamey Carroll (2010) and Freeman (2022) are the only first-year Dodgers to receive the Roy Campanella Award.
Jason Heyward’s ‘everlasting’ impact
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has been tasked with having a variety of difficult conversations during his tenure, but needing to inform Heyward of the DFA decision was particularly challenging.
“What Jason did for the Dodgers in a year in a half was pretty remarkable; on the field, in the clubhouse, in the community. His fingerprint will be everlasting, in my opinion. Very difficult decision,” Roberts said.
“It was a roster crunch. Guys finally came back to health, and we only have so much room. It was one of those things where the versatility that we have on the roster, Mookie going out to right field, any conversation that we would’ve had with anyone on our roster right now would’ve been extremely difficult.
“Unfortunately, it had to be Jason. I’m forever grateful and I know the guys are. Probably one of the tougher things I’ve ever had to do.”
