Discarded Dodgers outfielder could be the Reds next senseless roster addition

Move over, Amed Rosario. Out of the way, Dominic Smith. There's a new veteran available on waivers and his name is Jason Heyward. The Los Angeles Dodgers designated the outfielder for assignment on Thursday, and after watching Nick Krall circle the waiver wire like a hungry buzzard, it seems only natural that Cincinnati would look to acquire Heyward's services.

The Reds have been keeping close tabs on a number of veterans who've been released over the last few weeks. It started with former Seattle Mariners first baseman Ty France. Cincinnati swung a trade with Seattle after the Mariners DFA'd France before the MLB trade deadline.

The Reds then added Heyward's former teammate after LA ditched him last week. Rosario was acquired by the Dodgers at the trade deadline, but Los Angeles sent the infielder packing after Mookie Betts returned from the injured list.

Discarded Dodgers OF Jason Heyward could be the Reds next senseless roster addition

Finally, the Reds decided to bring Smith into the fold prior to the beginning of their series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Smith was released by the Boston Red Sox after Triston Casas was reinstated from the IL, and Cincinnati signed him to a major-league deal.

While bringing Heyward to the Queen City would seem to make little sense, none of the other additions (outside of France) have been rooted in logic either. While France is under team control through next season, Rosario and Smith will both be free agents after the 2024 season. There's little point in bringing in a veterans with six weeks left in the season and a 1% chance of making the playoffs, but Krall seems intent on doing just that.

This is the time of year when every single move that's made should be focused on 2025 and beyond. Rather than Rosario, Smith, and Heyward, the Reds should be focused on allocating playing time to the likes of Blake Dunn, Rece Hinds, and Noelvi Marte.

While some Reds fans may laugh at the idea of Krall and Co. targeting a 35-year-old outfielder, Cincinnati did just lose Jake Fraley for at least two weeks. Heyward, like Fraley, is a left-handed hitter. And while Heyward's splits typically favor a matchup against right-handers, the veteran is hitting .303 with an .846 OPS against southpaws this season.

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