The San Diego Padres are addressing their outfield depth concerns by reportedly reaching an agreement with former Chicago Cubs star Jason Heyward, according to The Athletic.
The team has yet to make an official announcement, but the report also indicates that the Padres are working to sign another outfielder, Connor Joe.
Heyward spent 2016-2022 with the Cubs before joining the Dodgers for the 2023 season. Since leaving Chicago, his performance has fluctuated. In 2023 with Los Angeles, he primarily played right field and posted a .269/.340/.473 slash line with 15 home runs and 40 RBI, his best power numbers since 2019 when he hit 21 homers with 62 RBI.
However, last season was more challenging. In 63 games, he hit .208/.289/.393 with six home runs and 28 RBI, eventually losing playing time before the Dodgers designated him for assignment and later released him.
He then signed with the Houston Astros, who sought additional outfield depth. In 24 games, his offensive production slightly improved to a .218/.283/.473 line with four home runs and nine RBI, contributing to the Astros’ AL West title. However, Houston did not re-sign him, and the 35-year-old entered free agency.
Heyward originally signed an eight-year, $184 million contract with the Cubs before the 2016 season. Over seven seasons in Chicago, he hit .245/.323/.377 with 62 home runs and 289 RBI while earning two Gold Gloves. Though still a strong defender, he is now likely to serve as a left-handed platoon option, occasional DH, and late-inning defensive replacement.
A 15-year MLB veteran, Heyward debuted with Atlanta in 2010, earning an All-Star nod and finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting. He has won five Gold Gloves but hasn’t received one since 2017.
Meanwhile, the Cubs have revamped their outfield. They acquired right fielder Kyle Tucker in a trade with Houston and sent Cody Bellinger to the Yankees to clear space for Pete Crow-Armstrong in center field. Ian Happ, a three-time Gold Glove winner, will start in left, while Seiya Suzuki remains a versatile outfield option. The depth chart also includes young talent and top prospect Owen Caissie.