Jason

Heyward

Heyward announced his retirement after a 16-year career at the conclusion of spring training. The 36-year-old was a key member of the squad that ended a 108-year World Series drought for the Chicago Cubs in 2016. He spent parts of two seasons with the Dodgers from 2023-2024.

Heyward was one of the most-hyped prospects in recent memory, but never quite developed the power that would have made him a generational player. Instead he became a five-time Gold Glove winner with speed and on-base skills in a corner. He signed an eight-year, $194 million contract with the Cubs in free agency and helped the club break the curse in 2016. Heyward was released from that contract before it was over and bounced around with the Dodgers, Astros, and Padres in recent years.

Heyward is now free to pursue an opportunity elsewhere after passing through waivers unclaimed. The 35-year-old veteran was designated for assignment over the weekend after posting a lackluster .176/.223/.271 triple-slash line with two homers in 34 games this season for the Padres.

Heyward is currently on the 10-day injured list with his oblique strain, but the Padres are booting him from the roster rather than activating him off the injured list. The 35-year-old has scuffled to a .176/.223/.271 slash when healthy, and isn’t likely to see a ton of interest on the waiver wire. It only takes one team, however.

Heyward is working his way back from a left oblique strain that has shelved him since May 24. It’s not clear how many at-bats he’ll need there before he’s ready to return at help out the Padres at the big league level. Prior to landing on the injured list, the 35-year-old was slashing an anemic .176/.223/.271 with two homers and 12 RBI over his first 95 plate appearances with the Padres.

Heyward has been out since late May with a left oblique strain. His return would give San Diego another veteran outfielder off the bench.

Heyward is likely to miss a couple weeks. The 35-year-old veteran heads back to the injured list for the second time this season. His absence should lead to additional opportunities for rookie Brandon Lockridge.

Heyward returns to San Diego’s lineup following a two-week absence recovering from left knee inflammation. The 35-year-old veteran outfielder’s days as a fantasy-relevant contributor are long gone, but he remains a strong fourth outfielder on a playoff contending roster.

Heyward will be out at least a week while he recovers from the inflammation, and the Padres won’t play shorthanded. Tirso Ornelas will be up as an outfield option while Heyward recovers.

Heyward will miss his second straight game due to left knee soreness. It’ll be Connor Joe patrolling center field in his absence.