Padres Designate Jason Heyward for Assignment: What it Means for the Team and Fans

The San Diego Padres announced they are designating outfielder Jason Heyward for assignment, opening up space on the 40-man roster for right-hander Bryan Hoeing. Hoeing has been activated after a lengthy stint on the 60-day injured list. To make room for him in the active roster, Sean Reynolds was optioned out.

Heyward, 35, has had a remarkable 16 seasons in Major League Baseball. He was drafted 14th overall by the Atlanta Braves back in 2007 and quickly became a standout player. After debuting in 2010, he had an impressive rookie season, finishing second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting behind Buster Posey. Over his first six seasons, he hit .268/.353/.431.

His blend of strong defense and consistent hitting made him one of the top free agents when he entered the market. He signed an eight-year deal with the Chicago Cubs, a move that didn’t pan out as hoped. Despite winning two Gold Gloves and a World Series with the Cubs, his batting average fell to .245 over seven seasons, leading to his designation for assignment before his contract ended.

However, Heyward rebounded with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023, batting .269 with solid performance. He returned to free agency afterward but had a brief stint with the Houston Astros before signing with the Padres.

This season has been tough for Heyward. He’s played only 34 games due to injuries and has struggled at the plate, hitting just .176/.223/.271. This drop in performance, combined with Gavin Sheets’ strong play in left field, led the Padres to reevaluate Heyward’s spot on the roster.

Heyward was already dealing with knee issues when he was DFA’d. The Padres now have a week to either trade him or put him on waivers. If he clears waivers, he could choose to go to the minors or become a free agent.

In welcoming back Bryan Hoeing, the Padres add a right-hander who previously excelled, posting a 2.18 ERA with 53 2/3 relief innings last season. Before his shoulder injury, he was expected to be a key player in the bullpen.

This move highlights a significant trend in Major League Baseball. Teams are increasingly willing to let go of veteran players to make way for fresh talent. As younger players show promise, it’s becoming clear that the future of the sport lies in blending experience with youth, a strategy that many teams, including the Padres, are adopting.

As baseball fans, we’ll be watching closely to see how both Heyward’s next steps unfold and how Hoeing contributes to the Padres’ future this season.



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