Jason Heyward has never needed to be the most productive player on the field to lead a team to a World Series championship. His inspirational speech during the rain delay in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series helped motivate the Chicago Cubs to win their first World Series in 108 years.

Heyward’s good vibes weren’t enough to keep his job in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ outfield beyond last Thursday, when he was designated for assignment amid a roster crunch.

One day after officially becoming a free agent, Heyward is reportedly nearing a deal with the Houston Astros. Brian McTaggart was the first to report the two sides were close on Tuesday:

Heyward, 35, hasn’t won a ring since his moment of glory with the 2016 Cubs passed. Now, the Astros are hoping Heyward’s gold-glove defense and inspirational leadership are enough to push them to their eighth consecutive American League Championship Series appearance.

Los Angeles Dodgers Jason Heyward
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 05: Jason Heyward #23 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates a two run home run from Teoscar Hernández #37, to take a 4-2 lead over the Philadelphia Phillies, during the…


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Heyward has hit .257 with 180 home runs and 709 RBIs over parts of 15 major league seasons with the Atlanta Braves (2010-14), St. Louis Cardinals (2015), Cubs (2016-22), and Dodgers (2023-24).

Although Heyward’s career began with high expectations after homering in his first MLB at-bat, he mainted his career thanks to his glove. Heyward has won four Gold Glove awards in his career for his work in right field. Unfortunately he became redundant there in Los Angeles, where the Dodgers recently moved former MVP Mookie Betts back to right field.

When the Dodgers activated utility player Chris Taylor from the injured list Thursday, Heyward was designated for assignment.

Heyward was limited to 60 games this season with the Dodgers and slashed a subpar .208/.289/.393 when healthy.

The Astros have struggled to fill the vacant spot in right field left by former All-Star Kyle Tucker, who’s missed nearly three months with a shin injury. Monday, the Houston Chronicle reported that Tucker has progressed to taking on-field batting practice and doing light defensive work on the field.

There is no exact timetable for Tucker’s return.