Is the clock ticking for Jason Heyward and his time with the San Diego Padres? 

It is no secret; the San Diego Padres are struggling to score consistently right now.

The team’s strength appears to be the pitching staff. Both the starting rotation and the bullpen have dominated teams so far in 2025. If the Padres get a lead, they usually win the game.

A rash of injuries hounded the team early in the season, as Jackson Merrill, Jake Cronenworth, Luis Arraez, Jason Heyward, and Brandon Lockridge all spent time on the I.L. Not having this core group did not hinder the Padres, as they’ve still amassed one of the best records in baseball.

The Padres are looking for the right mix of players. Plenty of players are being given an opportunity to step up. If the rostered ones do not provide the offensive firepower the Padres desire, they will be forced to look elsewhere.

A veteran who is presently on the bubble is Jason Heyward.

The 16-year career of Heyward is decorated, but the 35-year-old is showing signs of slowing down. He owns a .527 OPS so far this season in 57 at-bats and 25 games. In that span, he has put up a -0.4 WAR for San Diego and totaled a 48 OPS+. Heyward signed with the Padres for $1 million in the winter. That is a hefty sum, but the Padres are certainly not afraid to cut ties with a veteran.

Yuli Gurriel was signed by A.J. Preller late in the winter as well. The veteran right-handed hitter collected 36 at-bats in 16 games. He put up a .339 OPS and -0.5 WAR and was designated for assignment a few weeks ago. The Padres gave Gurriel $1.35 million for a total of four hits. The signing seemed bizarre at the time, given Gurriel’s past with Yu Darvish. But they did it.

The Padres would not hesitate to eat the remainder of Heyward’s contract if they felt it was time. He missed time with knee soreness and will likely battle that the entire season. Heyward may be kept on the roster for his presence and defensive abilities, but roster spots will be valuable as the season moves forward. The Padres have World Series aspirations.

It’s plain and simple.

Jason Heyward needs to pick it up. The Padres aren’t demanding his offensive numbers approach his heyday in Atlanta, but he must be serviceable to remain on the roster. He may be a great clubhouse guy, but the Padres require adequate offensive numbers to go along with his leadership skills.

San Diego dealt Connor Joe to the Cincinatti Reds on Friday, freeing up a 40-man roster spot. Something appears to be happening regarding strengthening the bench.

There is still time for Heyward. But he must show some signs of life in the coming weeks.

If not, the Padres will be forced to look elsewhere.

That’s just baseball.

James Clark

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. James has written about the Padres and their prospects for over a decade. He also writes about San Diego State as well as other local sports. James is the Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.