Outfielder Jason Hayward (34), who was released from the Chicago Cubs with one year remaining on his contract, hit his first home run for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Hayward started as a center fielder in the 8th hitter in the 2023 major league home game against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, USA on the 4th (Korean time), and hit a wedge two-run home run in the 5th inning. In the 5th inning, with the Dodgers leading 7-4, with 2 out and 1 base, he hit a 92.9 mph sinker in the middle of the 2nd pitch of Colorado right-hander Jake Byrd and crossed the right wall. Distance 391 feet (119.2 m). 메이저사이트
Hayward, who laid the groundwork for the first run with an infield hit on third base in the first at-bat in the third inning, added one RBI with a sacrifice fly in the seventh inning safely on first and third base. With 2 hits in 3 at-bats, 3 RBIs and 2 runs, he helped the Dodgers win 13-4.
Hayward, who was selected as an All-Star once as an outfielder in the 5th inning of the Gold Glove, was released from the Cubs after the season last year. In December 2015, he signed an 8-year, $118.4 million free agent contract with the Cubs, receiving the highest treatment ever in the club’s history.
However, after a long period of sluggishness, it turned into a scam. In 744 games for the Cubs, he had a batting average of .245, 62 homers, and an OPS of .700. Last year, in the aftermath of a knee injury, he hit bottom with a batting average of .204, 1 home run, and OPS of .556 in 48 games. He had $22 million left in his 2023 salary, but the Cubs dumped it and released Hayward.
The Cubs judged it to be out of power early on, but the Dodgers thought differently. After the release, the Dodgers moved quickly and quickly took Hayward. He kept in touch for 3 days in a row and sent love calls. It was a minor league contract, but he showed sincerity to the player.
In an interview with ‘The Athletic’ in early February, Hayward said, “After leaving the Cubs, I wasn’t sure which team would contact me. I was having a rough time, but the Dodgers called me three days in a row. It was amazing. They took the time to visit me and wanted to let me know how sincere this opportunity was. I also needed an opportunity to sign a contract quickly and focus on exercise.”
Hayward, who had individual training at Dodger Stadium early last winter, struggled to revive by adjusting his swing. Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, who was a teammate for the Atlanta Braves, said, “You will see why Hayward was a first-round draft pick. He seems to have found a clue while adjusting his hand position and swing when hitting,” he said, guaranteeing his resurrection.
Heyward, who showed promise by hitting two home runs, despite batting only .200 in 19 of his exhibition games, only appeared as a substitute in two of his first four regular season games. He was silent with no hits in 3 at-bats, but raised expectations for a revival with a multi-hit including a home run in his first starting opportunity. Hayward, who signed a minor contract with the Dodgers, receives a minimum salary of $720,000. Except for this, the rest of the salary of 21.28 million dollars will be received from the Cubs. /waw@osen.co.kr