Veteran starter Andrew Heaney should have plenty of suitors looking to bolster their rotations heading into 2025 (Photo Source: IMAGN)
It was not the season that Andrew Heaney was hoping for with the Texas Rangers. After winning the World Series with the club in 2023, the veteran starter returned to the team’s rotation again last season. However, his production left something to be desired. The 33-year-old posted a disappointing 5-14 record with a 4.28 ERA and 159 strikeouts.
Even though he struggled for much of 2024, Heaney is an intriguing middle-to-back-of-the-rotation target for clubs looking to add a starter. The former first-round draft pick has shown flashes of the promise he had coming into the majors; however, he has struggled with his consistency at times.
Nevertheless, Heaney is a World Series champion who should have no difficulty securing a new deal this offseason. Many clubs are looking to bolster their pitching staffs, and Heaney could be an affordable option heading into 2025.
Here’s a closer look at 3 potential landing spots for Andrew Heaney in free agency
#1, Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers could be the perfect landing spot for Andrew Heaney. After an incredible run late last season, the Tigers returned to the postseason for the first time since 2014. One of the reasons why the team was able to accomplish this goal was on the back of its pitching staff.
The Tigers have reportedly already shown interest in Heaney, which would make sense considering their current roster build. While Tarik Skubal will return as the team’s ace, the Tigers have several question marks surrounding the rest of the staff. They have already added veteran Alex Cobb in free agency. However, given his injury history, having extra proven hands on deck is never a bad idea.
#2, Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are another club looking to bolster the back half of their pitching rotation. Although they have been linked to the likes of Nick Pivetta and Corbin Burnes, Andrew Heaney could be another veteran option for the team. The rotation has several established stars such as Kevin Gausman and Jose Berrios, so Heaney would slot in at the back end, which could ease the pressure on him.
#3, San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are another intriguing landing spot for Heaney. Like the Blue Jays, the Giants have been linked to Corbin Burnes. However, they may need to pivot if he lands elsewhere. The Giants have some interesting young pitchers coming up through the ranks; however, they are largely unproven at the major league level.
Depending on the contract that the two sides could reach, Andrew Heaney could serve as a short-term solution while the team’s young arms develop. The team’s pitching staff left something to be desired last season, finishing in the bottom half of the league in combined team ERA. Add in the departure of Blake Snell, and the Giants could use a veteran like Heaney, at least for 2025.
