Dodgers News: Freddie Freeman Thinks Jason Heyward's Swing Has Been Fixed
The Dodgers' acquisition of veteran outfielder Jason Heyward this offseason didn't turn a lot of heads. The team signed him to a minor league deal, and there was no guarantee that he would have any role with the big league team next season.
That didn't stop Heyward from putting in the work, however, as within days, he was seen at Dodger Stadium starting to prepare for the 2023 season. And his former teammate, Freddie Freeman, who was very happy when the team signed him, thinks he's actually going to surprise a lot of people with his new swing.
"He’s been putting in the work," Freeman said. "I love his adjustments. It’s a big difference. He has a better chance to get to the ball. Everyone is very happy with his adjustments."
The adjustments seem to be paying off so far. On Monday, a video circulated on Twitter of Heyward hitting a bomb off of RHP Tony Gonsolin — his new swing seems to be working just fine.
The Dodgers do have an opening on their 26-man roster. Heyward is likely fighting for the final outfield spot with young prospect James Outman. If the Dodgers feel like Outman's better off opening the season with consistent at-bats in Triple-A, Heyward may just find himself on the Opening Day roster. That would sure make Freeman happy.
"You’re going to see why he was a first-round pick," Freeman said. "He wants to be so good, too; it’s in there -- and I think he might have unlocked it."
Heyward's last productive season at the plate came in the COVID-shortened 2020 season. We'll see if this year, he has, in fact, unlocked something in his swing.
