Apr 26, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder right Jason Heyward (23) congratulates first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) on his solo home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the eighth inning at PNC Park. The Pirates won 8-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports

Freddie Freeman: Jason Heyward Positively Impacted Dodgers Clubhouse

Originally posted on Dodger Blue | By Matt Borelli | Last updated 11/29/23

As the Los Angeles Dodgers looked to bolster their outfield depth last offseason, it led to the signing of Jason Heyward to a Minor League contract.

The five-time Gold Glove Award winner was coming off back-to-back disappointing seasons with the Chicago Cubs, but Freddie Freeman helped convince the Dodgers front office to take a flier on his former Atlanta Braves teammate.

Heyward ended up having a resurgent 2023 season as he hit a solid .269/.340/.473 with 23 doubles, 15 home runs and 40 RBI in 124 games. The 34-year-old also emerged as a leader in the clubhouse and was voted the winner of the 2023 Roy Campanella Award.

Freeman raved about the impact Heyward had on the Dodgers clubhouse during the 2023 season and was happy the front office listened to his advice, via SportsNet LA:

“Yeah, I wouldn’t say that’s an evaluator, that’s just me, he’s my best friend so I wanted him on my team again. But Jason was amazing this year. I obviously believe in him until those cleats come off his feet. So I was just so happy that he was able to be with us this year, and everyone got to see Jason Heyward for who he is as a player, and especially as a person. I think he touched a lot of people off the field more than he did on the field. I was just so happy that he was in our organization and you know, I don’t know what the offseason is going to tell us, but I hope he’s in a Dodgers uniform again next year.”

Heyward’s on-field production and leadership made it likely that the sides would pursue a reunion this offseason. According to multiple reports, Heyward has re-signed with the team on a one-year, $9 million contract for the 2024 season.

With Heyward back in the fold, he presumably will continue to be part of a platoon that in turn allows the Dodgers to move Mookie Betts to second base.