Jonathan Paul Heasley (born January 27, 1997) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Kansas City Royals and Baltimore Orioles.

Jonathan Heasley
Heasley with the Omaha Storm Chasers in 2022
Free agent
Pitcher
Born: (1997-01-27) January 27, 1997 (age 27)
Plano, Texas, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
September 17, 2021, for the Kansas City Royals
MLB statistics
(through 2024 season)
Win–loss record5–12
Earned run average5.89
Strikeouts89
Teams

Career

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Amateur career

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Heasley attended Prestonwood Christian Academy in Plano, Texas, and Oklahoma State University–Stillwater. He played college baseball for the Oklahoma State Cowboys.[1]

Kansas City Royals

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The Kansas City Royals selected Heasley in the 13th round, with the 392nd overall selection, of the 2018 Major League Baseball draft.[2] Heasley made his professional debut with the rookie–level Idaho Falls Chukars, posting a 5.15 ERA in 12 games. He spent the 2019 season with the Single–A Lexington Legends, making 25 appearances (20 starts) and logging an 8–5 record and 3.12 ERA with 120 strikeouts across 112+23 innings pitched.[3]

Heasley did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[4] He returned to action in 2021 with the Double–A Northwest Arkansas Naturals.[5] In 22 contests (21 starts), Heasley recorded a 3.33 ERA with 120 strikeouts in 105+13 innings of work.[6]

On September 17, 2021, Heasley was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time.[7] He made 3 starts in his debut campaign, posting a 4.91 ERA with 6 punch outs in 14+23 innings. Heasley worked out of the Royals' rotation in 2022, making 21 starts and registering a 4–10 record and 5.28 ERA with 70 strikeouts across 104.0 innings of work.[8]

In 2023, the Royals shifted Heasley to a bullpen role. In 12 games for the team, he struggled to a 7.20 ERA with 9 strikeouts across 15.0 innings of work.[9]

Baltimore Orioles

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On December 18, 2023, the Royals traded Heasley to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for Cesar Espinal.[10] He was optioned to the Triple–A Norfolk Tides to begin the 2024 season.[11] In 4 appearances for Baltimore, Heasley struggled to a 16.88 ERA with 4 strikeouts across 5+13 innings pitched. He was designated for assignment by the Orioles on July 24, 2024.[12] Heasley was released by the organization the next day.[13]

References

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  1. ^ Sports, News Press. "OSU pitcher Heasley going pro, makes 5 Cowboys leaving". Stillwater News Press. Retrieved September 17, 2021.
  2. ^ "OSU right-hander Jonathan Heasley signs with Royals". Oklahoman.com. June 8, 2018. Retrieved September 17, 2021.
  3. ^ "Jonathan Heasley - Stats - Pitching". fangraphs.com. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  4. ^ "2020 Minor League Baseball season cancelled". mlb.com. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  5. ^ "Notes: Prospect gets his degree; injury news". MLB.com. Retrieved September 17, 2021.
  6. ^ "Drillers Fall to Heasley and Naturals". MiLB.com. Retrieved September 17, 2021.
  7. ^ Rieper, Max (September 17, 2021). "Royals call up Jon Heasley; Brady Singer to the IL". Royals Review. Retrieved September 17, 2021.
  8. ^ "Jonathan Heasley - Baseball Stats". thebaseballcube.com. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  9. ^ "Royals News: KC Trades Jonathan Heasley for Exciting Orioles' Pitcher". kckingdom.com. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  10. ^ "Orioles' Jonathan Heasley: Traded to Baltimore". cbssports.com. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  11. ^ "Cowser told he's made Orioles; Heasley optioned; Positive signs for Nevin, Webb". baltimorebaseball.com. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  12. ^ "Orioles Designate Jonathan Heasley For Assignment". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  13. ^ "Orioles Release Jonathan Heasley". mlbtraderumors. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
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