After being designated for assignment over the weekend, the San Diego Padres have released veteran left fielder Jason Heyward.
Heyward has had a disappointing 2025 season with the Padres. The five-time Gold Glove award winner has a .176 batting average this season in 34 appearances for the Padres.
Before his time with the Padres, Heyward played for five other MLB franchises, including the Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, and Atlanta Braves. Heyward won a World Series title with the Cubs in 2016.
Heyward started the season with the Padres as a right fielder, but struggled to hit as the season went on.
The Padres are currently a half game back of a wild card spot with a 43-36 record on the season. San Diego’s biggest weakness, however, is the lack of depth that they have in the outfield.
Parting ways with Heyward seems to guarantee that the Padres will be looking to add depth at the position at the trade deadline.
Amidst Heyward’s struggles, Gavin Sheets has been earning starts in left field for the Padres. Despite his lack of consistency on offense, Sheets will most likely get the majority of the starts with Heyward now released. Sheets has 26 career starts in left field.
The wait for Heyward begins with where he will play next in the MLB. At 35 years old, however, Heyward’s career may soon be coming to a close.