"A chance to play every day" - Astros OF Jason Heyward reflects on joining the team after getting DFA'd by Dodgers

Former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Jason Heyward said it was a challenge for him to decide as he had received several offers after being designated for assignment by the team last week.

Heyward shared that the Houston Astros gave him the best chance to play every day, and he now wants to make good use of this opportunity by winning a title with his new team.

Heyward is a 15-year veteran of the MLB and lifted the World Series title with the Chicago Cubs in 2016. He joined the Dodgers on a minor-league deal in 2022 after being released by the Cubs.

Heyward had a strong campaign last year, and the Dodgers re-signed him to a one-year, $9 million deal for 2024. However, he was DFA'd by the team on August 22 after playing a peripheral role.

The 35-year-old spoke to Matthew Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle after completing his move to the Astros.

“I received a good amount of interest. The toughest part in my mind was just – not a lot of time to make a decision,” Jason Heyward explained. “Honestly, I thought there was a good chance I was going home, my family and I would go back to Chicago and see what the offseason brings.”

“But teams did call. Houston called. And I feel like it was honestly the most realistic path for a chance to play every day,” Heyward continued. “Of course, I'm starting tonight in right field. I know Tuck's [Kyler Tucker's] out for a little bit more. Hopefully, he comes back soon and doesn't have any hiccups with his rehab.

"But just a real chance to play here, be in the outfield, kind of move around in all three outfield spots. That was the conversation. And to me, I just want to make the most of that opportunity. And that's kind of what allowed me to say, well, let's keep playing, and let's go out here and try to win,” he added.

Jason Heyward batted .208/289/.393 in 63 games for the Dodgers this season with six home runs and 28 RBIs. He hit a game-winning three-run homer as a pinch-hitter against the Seattle Mariners in his final at-bat for the team.

Astros hope Jason Heyward can solve their woes at RF

Jason Heyward can be a crucial player for the Astros at rightfield (Photo Credit: Getty)

The Houston Astros have brought in Jason Heyward in their continued attempts to find an able replacement for the injured Kyle Tucker. The Astros have unsuccessfully tried several options at rightfield to replace Tucker, who was enjoying a splendid season until he landed on the 60-day IL at the start of June.

“The signing of Heyward marks the Astros' latest effort to replace Kyle Tucker's lost production in right field. Tucker, who looked like an American League MVP candidate through the first two months of the season, hasn't played since June 3 because of a shin injury that he suffered from fouling a ball off his leg,” Dayn Perry of CBS Sport said.

“This season, Houston right fielders other than Tucker have combined to hit just .224/.276/.346 with five home runs,” Perry added.

Therefore, Jason Heyward has a great chance to make an instant impact on his new team. The Astros lead the AL West with a 71-62 record with a 3.5-game lead over the Seattle Mariners heading into Thursday's game against the Kansas City Royals.