Ex-Cardinals Gold Glove Winner Signs With Dodgers After Resurgent Season

A former St. Louis outfielder is finding his way back to dominance

The St. Louis Cardinals have been tasked with sorting through free agents across the league this winter, many of whom already had ties to Busch Stadium.

One of those players can be crossed off the board after reestablishing himself as an impact player.

"Outfielder Jason Heyward is returning to the Los Angeles Dodgers on a one-year deal for $9 million," ESPN's Kiley McDaniel reported Monday.

Heyward spent just one season with the Cardinals but made quite an impact. He batted .293 with 50 extra-base hits including 13 home runs, 60 RBIs and 117 OPS+ across 154 games in 2015. 

The then five-tool player also won a Gold Glove, swiped 23 bags in 26 attempts and even received National League MVP votes, finishing No. 15. 

The left-handed outfielder has struggled to perform since leaving the Cardinals. Heyward has hit below the league average in five out of eight seasons in terms of OPS+. 

With that said, it seems as though Heyward refound his groove in 2023 after matching the 117 OPS+ he recorded with St. Louis and playing arguably his best season since 2019.

Signing back a 34-year-old Heyward will give the Dodgers another veteran outfielder alongside Mookie Betts who can help lead them into the post-season.

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