Jason Heyward announces retirement after 16 years in big leagues Jason Heyward, a World Series champion, five-time Gold Glove winner, and All-Star outfielder, officially retired from Major League Baseball after a 16-season career. The announcement came via MLB Central on Friday, marking the end of his journey with teams including the Braves, Cubs, Cardinals, Dodgers, Astros, and Padres. Known for his defensive prowess and leadership, Heyward’s career spanned over a decade, with his most iconic moments coming during his time with the Cubs from 2016 to 2022. Heyward’s professional journey began in 2010 when he debuted with the Atlanta Braves, a team that selected him in the 2007 first-round draft from Henry County High School in McDonough, Georgia. His rookie season was standout, as he posted a .277/.393/.456 slash line in 142 games, earning him a runner-up finish for NL Rookie of the Year behind Giants catcher Buster Posey. Over the next five years, he solidified his reputation as a top-tier defender, winning two Gold Glove Awards while playing for the Braves and Cardinals. His performance led to an eight-year, $184 million contract with the Cubs in 2016, then the largest free-agent deal in the team’s history. Despite his defensive excellence, Heyward’s offensive contributions were occasionally overshadowed. However, his impact extended beyond the field, particularly during the 2016 World Series. As the Cubs faced a rain delay in Game 7, Heyward delivered a motivational speech to his teammates, reminding them of their resilience and the team’s historic regular-season success. His words helped rally the squad, leading to a dramatic 10th-inning victory that broke a 108-year championship drought for the franchise.#atlanta_braves #chicago #cubs #jason_heyward #mlb_central
