Sources confirmed that the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Andrew Heaney to an $8.5 million contract on Monday.
Heaney, a left-handed starter aged 30 years, spent most of the past seven seasons with the crosstown Angels. He posted a 4.67 ERA and nearly four times the number of walks in 605 innings.
Heaney was recovering from Tommy John surgery for most of 2016 and 2017, but has only made three short trips to the injured roster. Although his ERA soared to 5.83 in 129 1/3 innings last season, some other numbers paint his 2021 season better (most notably an average exit velocity at 89 mph, an expected ERA 4.03, and a swinging strike percentage of 13.8).
Walker Buehler, Julio Urias and Tony Gonsolin are the only Dodgers who will be returning from 2021. However, David Price and Tony Gonsolin will also compete for solidified spots. Max Scherzer is expected to sign one the most lucrative deals in baseball each year. However, the team will likely be interested in several trade candidates and free agents with big names.
Clayton Kershaw was recently turned down by the Dodgers for a $18.4million qualifying offer. This decision was mainly due to the forearm/elbow inflammation that he suffered from throughout last season. Kershaw was unable to participate in the postseason due to the condition. There is still mystery about Kershaw's health as of now. Both sides can work out a deal if Kershaw is healthy enough to return to Dodgers, and if the Rangers in his hometown Texas aren't too tempting.
Heaney, who earned $6.75million last season, was traded by the Yankees to Heaney in July. He gave up 13 home runs over 35 innings and spent September in a low leverage bullpen role. On Oct. 5, Heaney was designated for assignment and given free agency two days later. Heaney was able to meet with potential suitors immediately after being designated for assignment on Oct. 5. Heaney met with several teams before making his decision on the Dodgers.
The Athletic reported the news about his signing first.
