The Houston Astros have their sights set on reaching the postseason for the eighth straight season and ninth time in the last 10 years.
They have overcome a 7-19 start and now have the lead in the American League West, up 3 1/2 games on the slumping Seattle Mariners.
Now, the Astros are putting the final touches on their roster for the stretch run of the 2024 season. According to Brian McTaggart, Houston has added a key bat to their mix.
"The Astros are close to signing free-agent outfielder Jason Heyward, who was recently released by the Dodgers, a source told MLB.com on Tuesday," McTaggart wrote.
Heyward had struggled this season in Los Angeles. The 35-year-old had a poor slash line of .208/.289/.393 with just six home runs and 28 RBI. He had appeared in 63 games with the Dodgers in 2024.
The Astros were in need of another bat prior to the waiver deadline this coming Saturday, and they went out and grabbed a key veteran from Los Angeles.
Heyward began his career with the Atlanta Braves back in 2010 and was with the team until 2014, when he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals.
After a year in St. Louis, Heyward joined the Chicago Cubs and helped them win a World Series title in 2016. Los Angeles had signed him prior to last season and chose to keep him around for 2024.
Now, Heyward will have a fresh start. For the first time in his career, the veteran slugger will be playing in the American League. He brings power, speed, and solid defense to the table for the Astros as they try to sustain their second-half surge.
Los Angeles had let him go late last week, choosing to give more playing time to Chris Taylor and Kevin Kiermaier. It will be interesting to see what his role with Houston will be down the stretch.
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