A few days ago, the Los Angeles Dodgers decided to take a chance on struggling outfielder Jason Heyward on a cheap one-year deal.
The five-time Gold Glover hasn’t been a reliable hitter in years, but the Dodgers are known for working their magic with struggling veterans from time to time, and they believe they can make Heyward a reliable reserve outfielder at the very least.
Work ethic and discipline have never been Heyward’s problems, however.
The athletic Heyward is actually already working on his game to be better in 2023.
A video posted by Dodgers writer Doug McKain shows Heyward stretching his arm and throwing a bit in the outfield.
Newest Dodger Jason Heyward putting in work #Dodgers
— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) December 13, 2022
The road to salvage his career has started: while other players take advantage of the break and the holidays to rest before spring training, Heyward knows that he has to be a step ahead.
Heyward Has Work To Do To Revitalize His Career
What he should be working at is his swing, because offense has been a real problem for him in recent years.
If we take away his .848 OPS he had in the short 2020 campaign, he hasn’t topped .800 OPS in a full season since 2012.
While the Dodgers are player development wizards, they can’t always work magic.
They know that even a .750 OPS season would be a win with Heyward, and since he plays good defense, that would make him a nice reserve player.
He has a lot of work to do, however, since he finished at .627 in 2021 and .556 in 2022.
Can he return to relevancy in Los Angeles?
No one knows, but he will sure try.
He is in the perfect organization to attempt a comeback season.
It will be up to himself and the adjustments he can make.
