Jason Heyward's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

The Houston Astros officially signed free-agent outfielder Jason Heyward to a one-year deal on Thursday and designated pitcher Janson Junk for assignment in a corresponding move to open up a spot on the 40-man roster. The Astros continue to look for platoon help in right field with Kyle Tucker (shin) still out, especially after they optioned Chas McCormick to the minors on Thursday. Tucker is expected back at some point in September, but until then, the 35-year-old Heyward could see ample playing time in right field against right-handed pitchers in Houston. Fantasy managers in mixed leagues can leave Heyward to the waiver wire, but he could be an interesting short-term flier in AL-only leagues. The Los Angeles Dodgers cut Heyward recently after he hit just .208/.289/.393 with a .682 OPS, six homers and 28 RBI in 173 at-bats this year.

The Houston Astros are close to signing free-agent outfielder Jason Heyward, who was released by the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to a source. Heyward slashed just .208/.289/.393 with six home runs and 28 RBI in 63 games with the Dodgers earlier this year and also missed considerable time due to an injury. The 35-year-old former 14th overall pick by the Atlanta Braves in 2007 became expendable when All-Star Mookie Betts returned from a fractured hand in LA and returned to starting duties in right field. If Heyward were to join the Astros' big-league roster, he'd be in a platoon role with Chas McCormick, at best, in right field until Kyle Tucker (shin) is able to return from a long stint on the injured list. A change of scenery may be what Heyward needs, but it's still unlikely to make Heyward suddenly attractive in mixed fantasy leagues down the stretch.

The Los Angeles Dodgers activated infielder/outfielder Chris Taylor (groin) from the 10-day injured list on Thursday and designated outfielder Jason Heyward for assignment in a corresponding move. Taylor will return to the Dodgers after landing on the shelf in late July with a strained left groin. Both Taylor and Heyward have been pretty dreadful offensively in 2024, but the 33-year-old Taylor at least offers versatility at other positions on the infield. Taylor will return to a .167/.277/.265 slash line with an abysmal .542 OPS, three homers, 15 RBI and three steals. Continue to ignore him in mixed fantasy leagues. Heyward, meanwhile, loses his 40-man roster spot after already seeing his playing time dwindle in right field after Mookie Betts returned from a fractured hand. The 35-year-old has hit .208 (36-for-173) for the Blue this year with six homers, 28 RBI and four steals.