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Free-agent outfielder Jason Heyward and the Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly agreed to a one-year, $9 million deal Monday, per MLB.com's Juan Toribio. The deal is pending a physical and the club has not confirmed the agreement. The 34-year-old veteran had a resurgent offensive 2023 season with the Dodgers, slashing .269/.340/.473 with 15 home runs and 40 RBI in 377 plate appearances. He also provided veteran leadership in the clubhouse. While Heyward will still likely not have an everyday role, his newfound power in a strong Dodgers lineup could make him a useful daily fantasy play at times.
Free-agent outfielder Jason Heyward is nearing a one-year deal on Monday to re-sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to a source. It makes sense for both sides, as Heyward had a resurgence in 2023 in LA, slashing .269/.340/.473 with an .813 OPS, 15 home runs, 23 doubles, 40 RBI, two stolen bases and 56 runs scored in 377 trips to the plate over 124 games for the Blue. The 34-year-old will hope to stay productive as a platoon option in right field against right-handed pitching for the Dodgers. The expectation is that Mookie Betts will continue to play more second base in 2024, and the return of Heyward only confirms that. Heyward has never had much power (career-high 27 home runs in 2012), but he can be a useful streaming bat in deeper fantasy leagues and DFS in a strong Dodgers lineup.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Ricky Vanasco has agreed to a one-year, major -league contract with the club. He had been outrighted off the 40-man roster and elected minor-league free agency but will instead return to the club rejoin the 40-man roster. The 25-year-old has yet to appear in the big leagues and spent the 2023 season looking sharp in his return from 2021 Tommy John surgery. The bulk of Vanasco's work came in 23 2/3 innings at Double-A with the Dodgers organization, where he worked to a healthy 1.52 ERA. The right-hander worked as a reliever with the Dodgers in the minors after beginning his professional career as a starter in the Rangers organization.
Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Gavin Lux (knee) continues to make progress in his recovery, according to Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes. The 25-year-old suffered a torn ACL, MCL, and right hamstring in early March. That is a tough blow, but it sounds like Lux is actually doing surprisingly well. He has progressed to infield drills and should be ready in time for the beginning of the season. The expectation is that Lux is going to be the starting shortstop in Los Angeles next season. Although, there is still time for the Dodgers to add another infielder into the mix. Regardless, Lux is expected to have a significant role on the team next season.
Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Vargas could make a shift to the outfield this offseason. Vargas was seeing everyday at-bats at second base, but slumped his way out of playing time. The Dodgers started using Mookie Betts more often at second base and that might be something they do regularly next season. That being said, Vargas might need to switch positions in order to get semi-regular playing time in 2024. Vargas slashed .310/.392/.487 in the minor leagues, but hasn't figured it out at the MLB level. Dodgers' general manager Brandon Gomes said Vargas could see more action in the outfield next season. That might be the best place for him to get regular at-bats.
