The Dodgers released , per the MLB.com . It was very likely that Heyward would become a free agent after L.A. designated him for a signment on Thursday. Heywards DFA came as a surprise even for a team that had already jettisoned deadline pickup . While Heyward hasnt had a great season, he was an above-average contributor in a platoon capacity a year ago. The veteran outfielder hit .269/.340/.473 with 15 homers in 377 plate appearances in 2023. His numbers are down this year, as he carries a .208/.289/.393 mark acro s 197 trips to the plate. Most of that downturn is attributable to a career-low .224 average on balls in play. Heywards strikeout and walk profile is e sentially the same as it was a year ago. His hard contact percentage is up more than six Carl Yastrzemski Jersey points relative to last season. The higher exit velocities have come with a spike in ground-balls, though, which isnt an ideal trend for a pull hitter in his mid-30s. Heyward is no longer a Gold Glove caliber outfielder, but he remains a solid defender in right field. Statcast has graded him at league average in 434 innings. Defensive Runs Saved has him three runs above par. Another team could view Heyward as a complementary platoon bat who can step directly onto their big league roster. The Dodgers are on the hook for what remains of Heywards $9MM salary for this season. A signing team would only be responsible for the prorated portion of the $740K league minimum. It stands to reason that Heywards camp will look for a deal quickly now that hes on the open market. Hed need to sign elsewhere by the end of the month (on either an MLB or minor league contract) to be eligible for the postseason with a new team. Luis Tiant Jersey