The Los Angeles Dodgers are equally famous for handing out big-money contracts (Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, etc.) and for shopping at the bargain section (Tyler Anderson, Trayce Thompson, Andrew Heaney, plus several relievers).
They have a top-tier player development staff and lots of cutting-edge tech resources at their disposal, giving them an advantage when it comes to getting the best out of every player.
They may miss a lot with these types of signings, but when they hit, they hit big: just look at what they did with Anderson.
Their newest signing of this kind is outfielder Jason Heyward, formerly of the Chicago Cubs.
The Cubs were willing to absorb the season remaining on his long-term contract and granted him his unconditional release.
They will continue to pay him his salary, but the Dodgers will only be responsible for a small portion of it.
People are looking at the add as a low-risk, high-reward kind of move.
The Dodgers Will Have To Work Hard To Make Heyward A Viable Hitter Again
Heyward, who hit a horrendous .204/.278/.277 in 151 plate appearances in 2022, hasn’t been an above-average offensive performer since 2020.
Doug McKain, who covers the team for Dodgers Nation, doesn’t have any faith in the player.
“Jason Heyward isn’t a low risk/high reward signing, it’s a low risk/ most likely no reward signing. I call them DeLorean Dodgers. Players the Dodgers sign hoping they can go back in time and bring back the player they once were,” he tweeted.
Jason Heyward isn't a low risk/high reward signing, it's a low risk/ most likely no reward signing.
I call them DeLorean Dodgers. Players the Dodgers sign hoping they can go back in time and bring back the player they once were.
— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) December 8, 2022
The DeLorean Dodgers have gone back in time more than a few times, so despite what some analysts may think, there is no downside in making moves like this.
Perhaps the Dodgers can offer something the Cubs couldn’t, and it doesn’t hurt to find out.
While it’s true that the most likely outcome is Heyward failing to replicate the kind of offensive performance, there is really no downside in trying.
NEXT: Dodgers Share A Nice Farewell To Trea Turner