MLB Network Analysts Praise Dodgers for Revitalizing Jason Heyward’s Career

Heyward has turned heads early in spring.

One of the biggest surprises of the first week of the Dodgers season is the resurgence of veteran outfielder Jason Heyward. The 32-year-old signed with the Dodgers on a minor league deal in the offseason, and no one thought much of it.

However, Heyward was putting in the work to revamp his swing, and made quite the impression on the team in spring training.

It became clear that he was going to make the Opening Day roster, but he didn't make his first appearance until the third game of the year. But then, seemingly out of nowhere, he started raking.

In five games, Heyward is slashing .300/.333/.900 with two home runs and four RBIs. He hit one home run in 151 plate appearances last season with the Cubs, and had two in his first eight plate appearances with the Dodgers this season. Talk about a resurgence.

Jason Heyward hit 1 home run in 151 plate appearances with the Cubs last season.

Jason Heyward has now hit 2 home runs in 8 plate appearances with the Dodgers this season.

There needs to be a 30 for 30 done on the Dodgers lab at this point it's just insane.

— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) April 5, 2023

Over on the MLB Network, former GM Steve Phillips was among those having a conversation about Heyward's resurgence. He was asked if it was for real, or just a small sample size. Phillips thinks it's more than just a fluke.

"He’s absolutely made an adjustment," Phillips said. "They worked in the offseason. Dave Roberts said he bought into it, complete change in his swing. Even his setup and his stance is different. He used to just hook everything, he’d swing around the ball, hit the outside of the ball. ... He’s changed it, and the Cubs are paying him and his reaping the benefits of this with the Dodgers."

Jason Heyward is off to a hot start with the Dodgers!#MLBNow | @StevePhillipsGM | @mikelowell25 pic.twitter.com/satrNYCzrv

— MLB Now (@MLBNow) April 5, 2023

The Dodgers are known to revitalize careers, however, this one would be pretty impressive. Heyward was looking like he was making his was out of the league, and now, out of nowhere, he's a more than serviceable player again.

The Dodgers are paying Heyward just $720 thousand this season, while the Cubs are paying him the remaining $22 million on his salary. So, every time Heyward hits a home run this season, make sure to thank the Cubs for helping us out.