When the Dodgers manager has to tell a player that there is no longer room on the roster and he is being designated for assignment, Dave Roberts has likely had hundreds, if not thousands, of discussions similar to the one he had with Jason Heyward on Wednesday night.
However, this one struck a deeper chord because it involved one of the team’s most admired and well-liked players, first baseman Freddie Freeman’s best friend, and the 2023 Roy Campanella Award winner—the Dodgers player who best represents the leadership and spirit of the Hall of Fame catcher each year.
Prior to Friday night’s series opening against the Tampa Bay Rays, Roberts stated, “It was very challenging, probably one of the tougher things I’ve had to do.” “In just a year and a half, Jason accomplished a great deal for the Dodgers on the field, in the clubhouse, and in the community. His legacy will live on forever.
“We had a roster crisis, so it was a very tough decision. We only have so much space, and guys have finally returned to health.
For Freeman, the choice was particularly tough to accept. After Heyward was selected by Atlanta in the 2007 draft, he and Heyward grew up together in the Braves organization and became what Freeman called a “lifelong friendship.” Before the 2023 campaign, Freeman made a strong push for the Dodgers to sign Heyward to a minor league contract.
Referring to the deal that brought Heyward from Atlanta to the St. Louis Cardinals, Freeman said on Saturday, “I texted him and said it feels like 2014 all over again.” “The decisions and all that stuff are above my pay grade, but personally, I find it sad.”
According to Freeman, Heyward’s “massive impact” on the Dodgers during his brief tenure went much beyond his on-field accomplishments as a 15-year veteran.
“I fought for him to come here in the first place because I know that he will have a lasting impact for many, many years after his time here,” Freeman remarked. “I believe it is accurate when every single member in this clubhouse and organization is depressed.
“I really wanted him here in the first place because I know what kind of impact he’s going to have on certain people’s careers as they go forward, and because of the impact he’s had on so many people, he’s made a lot of the young guys better.”
Not that it was any simpler to decide to break things off with Heyward, who in his final at-bat wearing a Dodgers uniform tied the score with a pinch-hit, three-run home run in the eighth inning of the team’s 6-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday night.
However, after Chris Taylor fully recovered from a right groin strain that kept the veteran utility man out of action for a month, the Dodgers had to choose between Heyward, Taylor, utility man Kiké Hernández, and four-time Gold Glove Award winner Kevin Kiermaier to fill three bench spots.
Heyward was the odd man out, hitting just.208 in 63 games in a platoon role with a.682 on-base-plus-slugging percentage, six home runs, and 28 RBIs. After returning from a left-hand fracture on August 12, Betts moved from shortstop back to right field, effectively forcing Heyward to pinch hit.
Regarding Heyward, Taylor remarked, “Everyone is obviously sad to see him go.” He’s one of my all-time favorite teammates and a true pro. I’m honored to have him as a teammate, and even just by observing him go about his daily routine, I picked up a lot of knowledge. At all times, he genuinely prioritized the team over himself.
He’s a first-class guy who always cheers for everyone. He has been in the game for a very long time, and we all voted for him to win the Roy Campanella Award the previous year for a cause. I simply consider it an honor to be able to play alongside him. There is no doubt that we will miss him.
Although Taylor struck out in 62 of his 162 at-bats and only hit.167 with a.542 OPS, three home runs, and fifteen RBIs in 64 games before Friday, he is a more versatile defender and has produced some significant hits during the postseason, with a.248 average, a.805 OPS, nine home runs, thirteen doubles, and 26 RBIs in 67 career postseason games.
The Dodgers had the option to postpone Taylor’s comeback until September 1st, when they would have been able to add Heyward and increase their roster from 26 to 28 players. However, they decided to decide on Wednesday night and make the roster change public on Thursday.
According to Roberts, “it was definitely thought about.” “I believe it’s one of those situations where you’re trying to accept the fact that C.T. is no longer hurt and he was prepared to return. It was largely motivated by the fact that he is prepared to return.
While having private conversations with a number of players, including Freeman, Roberts did not feel the need to address the team over the Heyward trade. He also does not think it will be a distraction or generate any friction in the clubhouse.
“Emotions are present, as one would anticipate, but I believe everyone recognizes that winning baseball games is still our responsibility and that we all have jobs to accomplish,” Roberts stated. For many of the guys, it’s emotional since these people are not just teammates but also close friends.
However, I don’t believe it will have an impact on either tonight’s game or the ones that are coming up. We choose to live this life. While there are many benefits and fruits to this game, there are also some challenging circumstances. Once more, it’s the life each of us opted for.
Freeman stated, “I don’t think he’s talking to anybody.” “I mean, if you guys lost your jobs, would you guys want to talk?” Three text messages from him have reached me, which is more than many other individuals have got. For now, he’s just spending time with this family; in the next days, we’ll see what transpires.
