Imagine being part of not one, but two World Series-winning teams, yet still being remembered as a trade deadline blunder for one of baseball’s most iconic franchises. That’s the story of Andrew Heaney, whose 12-year MLB journey came to a close this week with his retirement announcement. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Heaney’s time with the Yankees in 2021 is often labeled a disaster, his career was far more nuanced—and successful—than that single chapter suggests. Let’s dive into the highs, lows, and everything in between.
In a heartfelt Instagram post (https://www.instagram.com/heandog8/p/DS0rCLfksb8/?hl=en), Heaney reflected on a career that took him across the country, from the Marlins to the Dodgers, Angels, Yankees, Rangers, and Pirates. “Many people don’t get the opportunity to leave home and travel to beautiful places, meet amazing people from so many different backgrounds, all while doing something they love,” he wrote. “I have.” Heaney’s humility shines through as he acknowledges sharing the field with some of the greatest players of his generation, even if he never made an All-Star team or Hall of Fame ballot. “I can only hope that I was great to each fan, player, coach, and staff member I got to be around,” he added—a sentiment that speaks volumes about his character.
But this is the part most people miss: Heaney’s career was a rollercoaster. Drafted by the Marlins in the first round of the 2012 MLB Draft, he was traded to the Dodgers in 2014, only to be redirected to the Angels the same day. Over seven years in Los Angeles, he posted a 4.51 ERA across 11 starts. Then came the Yankees trade in 2021, where he was acquired to bolster their rotation. And this is where opinions diverge: Was Heaney simply a mismatch for the Yankees, or did circumstances beyond his control doom his stint in pinstripes? After just five starts and a 6.23 ERA, he lost his rotation spot and was designated for assignment before the postseason. Bold question: Did the Yankees mishandle Heaney, or was he just not cut out for the Bronx pressure?
Heaney’s story doesn’t end there. He resurrected his career with the Dodgers and Rangers, culminating in a Game 4 win during the 2023 World Series—a moment he called “a bunch of different teams and never had this opportunity” (MLB.com, https://www.mlb.com/news/andrew-heaney-world-series-game-4-2023). Yet, his final season with the Pirates in 2024 was a struggle, posting a 5.39 ERA before being designated for assignment. A brief return to the Dodgers in September ended quietly, with no postseason appearances during their World Series run.
As Heaney steps away from the game, he’s turning his focus to family and community. “I’m retiring from baseball, but I hope to give back more than I received,” he wrote. His journey raises a thought-provoking question: How do we measure a player’s legacy—by their highlights, lowlights, or the impact they leave off the field? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Thank you, Andrew Heaney, for a career that reminds us baseball is as much about the journey as the destination.
