Houston Astros near deal with recently released OF of Los Angeles Dodgers

The Houston Astros have continued to search for talent after the trade deadline. According to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com, the Astros are close to a deal with veteran outfielder Jason Heyward.

Heyward has had a successful career and will help Houston reach the playoffs. They have a 3.5-game lead over the second-place Seattle Mariners in the American League West.

He was recently released by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

His dismissal from the Dodgers came as a surprise, as it came shortly after his three-run home run against the Mariners.

The 35-year-old may not be the same player he once was, but it’s worth signing players who can do what he does on and off the field. In 173 at-bats for Los Angeles, he hit .208/.289/.393 with six home runs, 10 doubles, 28 RBI and an OPS+ of 91.

160 of his 173 at-bats were against right-handed pitchers. Five of his six home runs and all ten of his doubles were against right-handed pitchers.

The Astros will give him a chance to prove he belongs on their postseason roster, and if he doesn’t make it, it’s not a big financial stretch to give him a chance.

Heyward, a World Series champion, one-time All-Star and five-time Gold Glove Award winner, will add more experience to this veteran-led team.

Houston will have to make a corresponding move as Heyward needs to be added to the 40-man roster. They will also have to make a move to open up an active roster spot.

These announcements have yet to be made.