Jason Heyward is a veteran outfielder in Major League Baseball (MLB) who has had a successful career since he was first drafted in 2007. He has played for several teams throughout his career and has been known for his solid defensive skills, leadership qualities, and overall versatility as a player.
However, with his contract set to expire at the end of the 2022 season and recent comments from the Chicago Cubs’ President indicating that Heyward will not be returning to the team in 2023, many fans are wondering: is Jason Heyward still playing baseball?
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at Heyward’s baseball career, his current status, and what his future may hold in the sport.
Jason Heyward’s Baseball Career
Jason Heyward was born on August 9, 1989, in Ridgewood, New Jersey. He attended Henry County High School in McDonough, Georgia, where he played baseball and was highly regarded as a top prospect. In 2007, Heyward was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the first round of the MLB draft.
Heyward quickly climbed the ranks of the Braves minor league system and made his major league debut on Opening Day in 2010 at just 20 years old.
He became an instant sensation, hitting a home run in his first career at-bat and finishing the season with a .277 batting average, 18 home runs, and 72 RBIs.
Heyward’s impressive rookie campaign earned him a spot on the National League All-Star team and a fourth-place finish in the Rookie of the Year voting.
Heyward spent the next four seasons with the Braves, continuing to put up solid numbers and establishing himself as one of the league’s top defensive outfielders.
In 2014, Heyward was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he played for one season before signing a massive eight-year, $184 million contract with the Chicago Cubs in 2016.
During his time with the Cubs, Heyward continued to be a valuable player, serving as a team leader and earning the Gold Glove award for his defensive skills in 2017.
However, his offensive numbers declined in subsequent seasons, leading to speculation about his future with the team.
Overall, Heyward has had a successful career in baseball, earning three Gold Glove awards, one All-Star selection, and a World Series championship with the Cubs in 2016. As of the end of the 2022 season, Heyward had a career batting average of .257 with 155 home runs and 708 RBIs.
Heyward’s Current Status
Heyward’s current contract with the Chicago Cubs is set to expire at the end of the 2022 season. He is owed $22 million for the 2023 season, but comments from Cubs’ President Jed Hoyer suggest that Heyward will not be returning to the team next year.
In terms of his performance in recent seasons, Heyward has struggled to maintain his offensive production. Since joining the Cubs in 2016, his batting average has steadily declined, and he has hit just .203 with three home runs and 27 RBIs in 2022.
However, he remains a solid defensive outfielder and a respected veteran leader in the clubhouse.
With Heyward set to become a free agent after the 2022 season, his future in baseball is uncertain.
It’s possible that he could retire, but given that he is still just 33 years old and has shown that he can still be a valuable defensive player, it’s more likely that he will sign with another team.
However, it’s unclear what kind of contract he will be able to command on the open market, given his declining offensive numbers and the fact that he will be in his mid-30s.
Some potential landing spots for Heyward could include teams in need of outfield depth and veteran leadership, but it remains to be seen where he will end up.
What’s Next for Jason Heyward?
As a free agent, Jason Heyward will have several options available to him. He could sign with a team looking for a veteran outfielder with solid defensive skills, such as the San Francisco Giants or the New York Mets.
Alternatively, he could sign with a team looking for a designated hitter, such as the Boston Red Sox or the Texas Rangers.
One potential landing spot for Heyward is the St. Louis Cardinals, where he played in 2015 before signing with the Cubs. The Cardinals are in need of outfield depth and could benefit from Heyward’s leadership and experience.
Another possibility is the Atlanta Braves, where Heyward began his career. The Braves are a team on the rise and could use Heyward’s leadership and experience as they look to make a deep playoff run.
Regardless of where he ends up, Heyward is likely to have a positive impact on his new team. While his offensive production has declined in recent years, he remains one of the best defensive outfielders in the game and is known for his leadership qualities.
He could provide a boost to a team’s clubhouse culture and serve as a mentor to younger players.
While Jason Heyward’s time with the Chicago Cubs may be coming to an end, he still has plenty to offer as a free agent. It will be interesting to see where he ends up and how he performs in the next stage of his career.
Jason Heyward Career Statistics
| Year | Team | G | AB | R | H | HR | RBI | SB | AVG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | ATL | 142 | 520 | 83 | 144 | 18 | 72 | 11 | .277 |
| 2011 | ATL | 128 | 447 | 50 | 108 | 14 | 42 | 9 | .227 |
| 2012 | ATL | 158 | 587 | 93 | 158 | 27 | 82 | 21 | .269 |
| 2013 | ATL | 104 | 382 | 67 | 94 | 14 | 38 | 2 | .254 |
| 2014 | ATL | 149 | 547 | 74 | 155 | 11 | 58 | 20 | .271 |
| 2015 | STL | 154 | 547 | 79 | 160 | 13 | 60 | 23 | .293 |
| 2016 | CHC | 142 | 530 | 61 | 122 | 7 | 49 | 11 | .230 |
| 2017 | CHC | 126 | 428 | 59 | 106 | 11 | 59 | 4 | .259 |
| 2018 | CHC | 127 | 463 | 62 | 118 | 8 | 57 | 7 | .270 |
| 2019 | CHC | 147 | 476 | 67 | 116 | 21 | 62 | 4 | .251 |
| 2020 | CHC | 50 | 162 | 16 | 30 | 6 | 22 | 0 | .265 |
| 2021 | CHC | 142 | 441 | 57 | 109 | 10 | 50 | 4 | .247 |
Note: G = Games played, AB = At bats, R = Runs, H = Hits, HR = Home runs, RBI = Runs batted in, SB = Stolen bases, AVG = Batting average.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many All-Star selections does Jason Heyward have?
Heyward has been selected to the All-Star Game four times in his career: in 2010, 2011, 2015, and 2016.
What is Jason Heyward’s net worth?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Heyward’s net worth is estimated to be around $50 million.
Has Jason Heyward won any Gold Glove Awards?
Yes, Heyward has won five Gold Glove Awards in his career, in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017.
What position does Jason Heyward play?
Heyward is an outfielder, primarily playing right field but also capable of playing center field and left field.
What is Jason Heyward’s batting average in his career?
As of the end of the 2021 season, Heyward’s career batting average is .256.
To Recap
Jason Heyward has had a successful career in baseball, earning numerous accolades and playing for several teams throughout his time in the league.
While his offensive production has declined in recent seasons, he remains a valuable player for his defensive skills and leadership qualities.
As a free agent, he will have several options available to him, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up and how he performs in the next stage of his career.
Regardless of what comes next, Heyward’s impact on the game of baseball has been significant, and his contributions to the sport will not be forgotten.
