Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had plenty of good things to say of former outfielder Jason Heyward, who retired Friday.
Heyward played under Roberts for a season and a half during his 16-year MLB tenure, and Roberts wants him to stay around MLB despite his retirement.
“I hope he stays in the game in some capacity whether it be the front office side or the coaching side, because I know I talked to him in spring, and he was kicking that around,” Roberts said. “So the game needs guys like Jason.”
Roberts has often talked about Heyward’s impact on players in MLB, citing his positive attitude towards the game as a reason for his influence.
“Those are things that as a manager, it’s not always about performance on the field,” Roberts said. “I think for me, I get more joy out of seeing players mature and grow and have gratitude. And I think that Jason really understands who he is as a man and his place in this world.”
Heyward played for the Dodgers in 2023 and 2024, but LA released the outfielder towards the end of the 2024 season. Through his 187 games with the Dodgers, Heyward slashed .249/.322/.446 and accrued 2.7 WAR.
Who Else Has Jason Heyward Played For?
Heyward began his career with the Atlanta Braves in 2010, making the All-Star Game and finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting that season.
He stayed with the Braves through the 2014 season before moving to the St. Louis Cardinals. After a solid year with St. Louis, Heyward went to the Chicago Cubs, where he won the 2016 World Series. He remained in the NL Central for seven seasons before joining the Dodgers.
The Houston Astros picked him up after the Dodgers released him, and he had a solid remainder of the season with LA’s bitter rivals. The San Diego Padres gave him his last chance in MLB in 2025, but injuries kept him off the field for most of his time with the Friars.
Heyward retired as a one-time All-Star and five-time Gold Glover, and received rings for two World Series: The Cubs’ win in 2016 and the Dodgers’ in 2024.
How do you feel towards Jason Heyward?
