Former Cubs’ centerpiece spurns Jed Hoyer while taking front office role with Dodgers

Just weeks after Kyle Hendricks opted to join the Detroit Tigers front office instead of a role with the Chicago Cubs, Jason Heyward has made a similar decision. The Los Angeles Dodgers announced that Heyward has joined their front office as a special assistant. Heyward is expected to consult across each level of the Dodgers organization.

As was the case with Hendricks deciding to join the Tigers, there are clear connections between Heyward and the Dodgers. Following his seven-year run with the Cubs that ended after the 2022 season, Heyward spent the next season and a half in LA. He had a resurgent 2023 season, posting a wRC+ of 119 in 124 plate appearances with 15 home runs.

He regressed to start the 2024 season with the Dodgers before ultimately finishing the season with the Houston Astros. Heyward had a brief run with the San Diego Padres last year before retiring at the ned of the season.

Jason Heyward, beloved in the clubhouse in his brief time with the Dodgers, has joined the front office as a special assistant and will help out with the affiliates.

“It’s gonna be very helpful for his growth but also the organization’s,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) May 13, 2026

There's no drama between the Cubs and Jason Heyward

As was the case during his time in Chicago, Heyward was a clubhouse favorite during his time with the Dodgers. That shouldn't come as much of a surprise, considering it was his speech during Game 7 of the 2016 World Series that inspired the Cubs to victory in extra innings.

ESPN's Jesse Rogers reports that the Cubs spoke with Heyward about a role within the organization before he joined the Dodgers. Rogers adds that the White Sox were also interested. If Heyward took on a job with the White Sox, perhaps there could be some credence to the idea that the Cubs didn't make a sincere effort, but in this case, the Dodgers made sense.

Chances are, Cubs fans will see Heyward again this summer. As they did during the offseason with retired and active players from the 2016 World Series team, the Cubs are planning a celebration at Wrigley Field later this summer. Players not actively with an organization are expected to be on hand for the festivities, and it would be a fair assumption to suggest that Heyward will be among the participants.

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There's no drama between the Cubs and Jason Heyward

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