Jason Heyward signs a minor-league deal with the LA Dodgers with an invitation to spring training

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday signed outfielder Jason Heyward to a minor-league deal and invited him to spring training.

The Chicago Cubs released Heyward in November.

Heyward, 33, put up the worst offensive numbers of his 13-year MLB career during an injury-plagued 2022 season, hitting .204 with one home and 10 RBIs run in 137 plate appearances. But he’s a valuable defender.

The deal reunites Heyward with Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman. They came up through the Atlanta Braves system and have remained friends.

Heyward was a leader in the Cubs clubhouse, helping them win the 2016 World Series.

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The Cubs owe Heyward $22 million for 2023, the final season of the eight-year, $184 million contract he signed in December 2015. He also will receive four $5 million installments on April 1, 2024-27, as part of his initial signing bonus.

In seven seasons in Chicago, Heyward had a .245/.323/.406 slash line, 86 OPS+ and 8.9 WAR and won two Gold Glove awards.