Former Los Angeles Angels teammates Shohei Ohtani and Andrew Heaney, who shared three difficult seasons between 2018 and 2021, may soon find themselves back together with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The possibility arises as Heaney, now with the Pittsburgh Pirates, could be traded before the MLB deadline, offering a potential reunion highlighted by the Shohei Ohtani Dodgers trade reunion with teammate storyline.

Since leaving Anaheim, both players have experienced renewed success. Ohtani has excelled with the Dodgers, heading toward his fourth Most Valuable Player award in five years. Meanwhile, Heaney, who won a World Series title last year with the Texas Rangers, has continued his career as a reliable left-handed pitcher in the majors.

Andrew Heaney’s Performance and Dodgers Interest

At 34 years old, Heaney holds a 3-4 record and a 3.41 ERA through 11 starts this season with Pittsburgh. Although he averages 5.5 innings per outing, his walk rate remains a concern, with 3.6 walks allowed per nine innings. CBS Sports analyst RJ Anderson notes,

“Even so, there’s only so much starting pitching to go around,”

adding,

“Heaney is a tolerable back-end option, particularly in the right environment.”

—RJ Anderson, CBS Sports Analyst

The Dodgers organization is familiar with Heaney’s capabilities. In 2021, he posted a 3.10 ERA with a strong 110-19 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 72.2 innings pitched for Los Angeles, performances that helped him secure a two-year deal with the Rangers afterward. Considering his age and current one-year, $5.5 million contract, Heaney should be a cost-effective option for a Dodgers rotation currently affected by injuries.

Injured Dodgers Pitching Staff and Future Outlook

With starting pitchers Roki Sakasi, Tyler Glasnow, and Blake Snell sidelined by shoulder injuries, the Dodgers are likely in need of a dependable starter like Heaney to fill the rotation. This potential trade could also pave the way for a reunion with Ohtani, who is expected to return to the pitching rotation by July after recovering from Tommy John surgery last year.

After their challenging time together with the Angels, both players have developed distinct paths, but their careers may soon converge again. Fans and the Dodgers organization alike will hope that this renewed partnership leads to better outcomes than their initial stint as teammates.