Houston Astros sign impressive former World Series champion: reports

Jason Heyward never had to be the most productive player on the field to lead a team to a World Series victory. His inspirational speech during the rain stoppage in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series motivated the Chicago Cubs to win their first World Series title in 108 years.

Heyward's charisma was not enough to keep his job in the Los Angeles Dodgers' outfield beyond last Thursday, when he was designated for another player amid a roster crisis.

A day after officially becoming a free agent, Heyward is reportedly close to signing with the Houston Astros. Brian McTaggart of MLB.com was the first to report on Tuesday that the two sides are close:

Heyward, 35, hasn't won a ring since his big moment with the Cubs in 2016. Now the Astros hope Heyward's top-notch defense and inspiring leadership are enough to lead them to their eighth consecutive American League Championship Series appearance.

Heyward has posted a .257 batting average with 180 home runs and 709 RBIs in parts of 15 major league seasons with the Atlanta Braves (2010-14), St. Louis Cardinals (2015), Cubs (2016-22) and Dodgers (2023-24).

Although Heyward's career began with high expectations after hitting a home run in his first MLB at-bat, he earned his place in the league thanks to his glove. Heyward has won four Gold Glove Awards in his career for his work in right field.

Unfortunately, his position became redundant in Los Angeles as the Dodgers recently moved former MVP Mookie Betts back to right field.

When the Dodgers activated all-around player Chris Taylor from the injured list on Thursday, Heyward was designated for assignment.

Heyward only played 60 games with the Dodgers this season and, when healthy, posted a below-average batting average of .208/.289/.393.

The Astros have struggled to fill the vacant right field spot occupied by former All-Star Kyle Tucker, who missed nearly three months with a shin injury. On Monday, the Houston Chronicle reported that Tucker has since taken batting practice and light defensive drills on the field.

There is no exact timetable for Tucker's return.

It's presumptuous to assume there will be any storylines, but the rivalry between the Dodgers and the Astros is fierce.

Houston defeated Los Angeles in seven games to win the 2017 World Series. It was later revealed that the Astros had stolen signs from their opponents that year. Dodger fans still haven't moved on from the so-called “banging scheme,” although most of their players have.

Last week, the Dodgers were sad to see Heyward go.

“What Jason did for the Dodgers in a year and a half was quite remarkable on the field, in the locker room and in the community,” manager Dave Roberts said Friday. “His mark will remain forever.”

When the Dodgers and Astros meet again in the World Series, the significance of Heyward's trade in the midst of the playoff chase will make for an excruciatingly uncomfortable storyline.