Veteran Pitcher Andrew Heaney Eyes 2026 Comeback After Challenging 2025
Veteran pitcher Andrew Heaney enters his 13th big league season in 2026, with a career marked by versatility and experience. Despite a challenging 2025 campaign, Heaney's track record and clubhouse presence could make him an attractive option for teams seeking pitching depth.
Heaney's 2025 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Dodgers saw him make 23 starts and 4 relief appearances. However, his ERA stood at 5.52, the highest since his rookie year, and his WHIP reached 1.381, the worst since 2017. His strikeouts per nine innings also dipped to 6.3. Despite these struggles, Heaney remained healthy, starting 27 games over the past three seasons.
Heaney's career has been marked by inconsistency in innings pitched, with a career high of 163.2 innings in 2018. However, his K/9 rate of 9.2 demonstrates his ability to miss bats. Heaney could provide valuable innings and mentorship to younger pitchers, and his low salary could make him an appealing trade target at the deadline.
Heaney's experience, including a World Series win with the 2023 Texas Rangers, could provide valuable clubhouse leadership. His ability to come at a low cost and provide innings, along with his potential to mentor young pitchers, makes him an intriguing option for teams looking to bolster their pitching staff in 2026.
