Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
Andrew Heaney put together a productive 2022 season for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and now he is once again a free agent looking to capitalize on his success.
Following 2021, Heaney was coming off the worst season of his career, pitching to a combined 5.83 in 129.2 innings with the Los Angeles Angels and New York Yankees. The Dodgers were aware of Heaney’s upside and took a chance on him, giving him a one-year deal.
The southpaw only pitched 72.2 innings as he was limited by injuries, but still showed enough that multiple teams felt comfortable making him offers already, including the Toronto Blue Jays, according to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet:
Andrew Heaney, the free agent left-hander who struck out 110 hitters in just 72.2 innings for the Dodgers in 2022, has fielded offers from multiple teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays.
Despite his limited sample of work, the 31-year-old posted a 3.10 ERA, 3.75 FIP, and 1.09 WHIP over 16 games (14 starts). Among all starting pitchers with at least 60 innings pitched, Heaney posted the third-highest strikeout-to-walk ratio at 28.5%, behind new Texas Rangers ace Jacob deGrom and Atlanta Braves rookie Spencer Strider.
However, he also posted the ninth-highest home runs per nine at 1.81.
Heaney was in the Dodgers starting rotation until making two relief appearances at the end of the year to begin preparing for the postseason. He allowed one run over three relief innings in Game 3 of the National League Division Series.
In his career, Heaney owns a 4.56 ERA, 4.38 FIP, 1.24 WHIP, 25.4% strikeout rate, 6.6% walk rate and 1.63 HR/9 in 707 innings pitched.
New York Mets among teams interested in Andrew Heaney
Heaney has been drawing a considerable amount of interest on the market, including from the New York Mets. The veteran starter interviewed with Mets general manager Billy Epler, who he already knew from their days together on the Angels.
The Mets agreed to terms with Justin Verlander on Monday, so it’s unclear how much more interest they have in Heaney. But it has been reported they are looking to sign at least two starting pitchers this winter.
A reunion with the Dodgers also still makes sense, but Heaney may receive a more lucrative contract from another organization.
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