Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Jason Heyward. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Former World Series champion likely to make Dodgers’ roster

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 3/3/23

The Los Angeles Dodgers took a chance on former World Series champion Jason Heyward this offseason, and their move seems to be paying off.

Heyward, 33, has impressed early in spring training, which has led to talk that he is likely to make the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster.

In Wednesday’s spring training game against the Texas Rangers, Heyward crushed a home run.

Hello, Jason Heyward pic.twitter.com/wWKO60t3BA

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) March 1, 2023

On Thursday, Heyward showed off his glove with a nice catch in left-center field.

Okay, Jason Heyward pic.twitter.com/zOEnk96SEO

— Blake Harris (@BlakeHHarris) March 2, 2023

Heyward is a five-time Gold Glove winner, so defense has always been his strength. The question is whether he will be able to contribute at the plate for Los Angeles.

Heyward batted just .204 with a .555 OPS for the Chicago Cubs last season. He’s now changed the mechanics of his swing, and looks totally different at the plate—which seems to be yielding good results.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts previously said that Heyward is looking good to claim an outfield spot with the team.

Dave Roberts said Jason Heyward “absolutely” has a leg up in competition for last outfield roster spot right now

Roberts liked how Heyward’s new swing looked yesterday, when he hit a live BP home run off Tony Gonsolin

— Jack Harris (@Jack_A_Harris) February 21, 2023

If he keeps this up, Heyward might just end up as the Dodgers’ starting center fielder.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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