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Jason Heyward

Jason Heyward is an known for his elite defensive skills and contributions to multiple playoff teams, including a pivotal role in the Chicago Cubs' championship. Born on August 9, 1989, in , Heyward stands at 6 feet 5 inches tall and bats and throws left-handed. He was selected by the in the first round (14th overall) of the 2007 MLB Draft out of Henry County High School in , and made his debut on April 5, 2010, as one of baseball's top prospects. Heyward spent his first five seasons with the Braves (2010–2014), where he earned three Gold Glove Awards (2011, 2012, 2014) for his exceptional right-field play and was selected to the 2010 as a . In 2012, he achieved a career-high 27 home runs while posting a .269 . Traded to the Cardinals ahead of the 2015 season, Heyward won his fourth Gold Glove and helped the team secure the division title with a .293 average, 13 home runs, and 60 RBIs. In December 2015, Heyward signed an eight-year, $184 million contract with the Cubs, marking one of the largest free-agent deals for an at the time. During his tenure in (2016–2022), he captured his fifth Gold Glove in 2016 and played a key role in the Cubs' drought-ending victory over the Indians, including delivering an inspirational team speech during a rain delay in Game 7. Heyward's defensive prowess earned him the Wilson Overall Defensive Player of the Year Award that season. Over his Cubs career, he maintained a .245 with 62 home runs and 289 RBIs, contributing to six playoff appearances. Following his release from the Cubs in 2022, Heyward joined the Los Angeles Dodgers on a one-year deal in 2023, where he hit .269 with 15 home runs and added veteran presence to their pennant-winning roster. He re-signed with the Dodgers for 2024 but was designated for assignment in August amid a roster crunch, slashing .208/.289/.393 in 63 games before being released. Heyward then briefly signed with the Houston Astros in September 2024, appearing in limited action during their playoff push. In February 2025, he inked a one-year contract with the San Diego Padres but struggled offensively with a .176 average, two home runs, and 12 RBIs in 34 games before being designated for assignment on June 21 and released on June 24. As of November 2025, Heyward remains a free agent at age 36, with career totals including a .255 batting average, 186 home runs, 730 RBIs, and 125 stolen bases across 1,824 games, solidifying his reputation as one of the premier defensive outfielders of his era.

Early life

Family and upbringing

Jason Heyward was born on August 9, 1989, in . His family relocated from to the metropolitan area during his early childhood, settling in . Despite his New York roots, the move immersed Heyward in the region's strong culture, providing ample opportunities for athletic development in a supportive suburban environment south of . Heyward grew up in a family that emphasized education and athletics; his parents, Eugene and Laura Heyward, are both graduates. Eugene, a former player at Dartmouth who later worked as an engineer, played a pivotal role in his son's early sports involvement by coaching him personally. Laura provided steadfast support for the family's pursuits. Heyward has a younger brother, , who also pursued , eventually playing collegiately at the . From a young age, Heyward displayed talent across multiple sports, beginning with and under his father's guidance before shifting focus to around age seven or eight. Eugene's coaching emphasized fundamentals and discipline, helping Heyward build a strong athletic foundation while recognizing his standout abilities early on. The relocation to McDonough further nurtured this growth by connecting him to local leagues and facilities that honed his skills in a competitive yet familial setting. By his high school years, Heyward had transitioned primarily to .

High school career

Jason Heyward attended Henry County High School in , starting in 2003. He participated in , , and , quickly establishing himself as a multi-sport standout. In , he was the team's leading scorer. In , he played as a and earned recognition during his junior season. In , Heyward emerged as a premier during his early high school years, drawing attention from scouts for his power-hitting ability and athleticism. Ranked as the No. 1 overall prospect in and No. 2 nationally by USA entering his senior year, he was heavily recruited by major programs and MLB teams. He committed to play at UCLA but ultimately signed with the after being selected 14th overall in the 2007 MLB Draft. During his junior year in 2006, Heyward helped lead Henry County to the state playoffs, earning All-State and All-Metro honors for his performance. As a in 2007, he batted .503 with 11 home runs and 41 RBIs, securing first-team All-State recognition and Georgia's Player of the Year award. He was also named to the All-USA High School Baseball First Team.

Professional career

Draft and minor leagues

The Atlanta Braves selected Heyward 14th overall in the first round of the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft from Henry County High School in McDonough, Georgia. He signed a professional contract with the Braves shortly thereafter, receiving a $1.7 million signing bonus. Heyward began his professional career in 2007 at age 17, assigned to the rookie-level Danville Braves of the Appalachian League after a brief stint with the Gulf Coast League Braves. In 12 total games across both rookie affiliates, he recorded a .302 batting average with one home run. In 2008, Heyward advanced to Class A with the Rome Braves of the , where he excelled as the primary , batting .323 with 11 home runs, 52 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases over 120 games. Late in the season, he earned a promotion to of the , hitting .280 in seven games to finish the year with a .316 overall average and 11 home runs across 127 games. Heyward's rapid ascent continued in 2009, starting at Myrtle Beach, where he batted .289 with 12 home runs and 37 RBIs in 55 games before a midseason promotion to Double-A Mississippi Braves of the Southern League. There, he hit .318 with 13 home runs and 37 RBIs in 43 games, earning the Braves' player of the year honors. In September, he received a short call-up to Triple-A Gwinnett Braves of the but did not appear in any games. During the season, he missed the due to an oblique injury but recovered to complete a dominant campaign. Overall, Heyward's tenure from to 2009 spanned 238 games with a .317 , 29 home runs, and notable plate discipline evidenced by a .393 , highlighting his power potential and advanced approach at the plate for a young prospect.

Atlanta Braves tenure

Jason Heyward made his major league debut with the on April 5, 2010, at the age of 20, during the season-opening game against the Chicago Cubs at . In his first at-bat, he hit a three-run on the first pitch he saw, off Cubs starter , helping the Braves secure a 16-5 victory. Heyward appeared in 142 games that rookie season, batting .277 with 18 s and 72 RBIs, earning him a runner-up finish in Rookie of the Year voting. Heyward's 2011 and 2012 seasons were marked by a mix of injuries and resurgence. In 2011, he battled right shoulder inflammation that originated in and sidelined him for about a month, along with a , limiting him to 128 games where he hit .227 with 14 home runs and 42 RBIs. He rebounded strongly in 2012, playing a full 158 games and posting a .269 average with 27 home runs, 82 RBIs, and an selection, establishing himself as a key contributor. The 2013 season saw Heyward limited to 104 games due to multiple injuries, including an emergency on April 22 that sidelined him for three weeks, a strain in July, and a fractured right in after being hit by a pitch from New York Mets pitcher , requiring surgery and causing him to miss the rest of the regular season. Despite these setbacks, he batted .254 with 14 home runs and 38 RBIs. In 2014, Heyward enjoyed a healthier year, playing 149 games and hitting .271 with 11 home runs, 58 RBIs, and a career-high 26 doubles while excelling defensively in right field. Over his five seasons with the Braves from 2010 to 2014, Heyward compiled a .262 , 84 home runs, and 292 RBIs in 681 games, emerging as a young leader in the clubhouse and a cornerstone of . Following the 2014 season, the Braves traded him to the St. Louis Cardinals on November 17, 2014, in exchange for pitcher and prospect Tyrell Jenkins.

St. Louis Cardinals season

On November 17, 2014, the St. Louis Cardinals acquired Jason Heyward and Jordan Walden from the in exchange for starting pitcher and minor league prospect Tyrell Jenkins. This trade came as Heyward entered the final year of a two-year extension he had signed with the Braves prior to the 2014 season, which paid him $7.8 million for 2015. The deal positioned Heyward as the Cardinals' primary , addressing needs in following the tragic death of earlier that year. In the 2015 regular season, Heyward enjoyed a career-best offensive campaign, batting .293 with 13 home runs and 60 RBIs over 154 games while stealing 23 bases. His improved plate discipline contributed to a .359 , marking a rebound from injury-plagued prior years and helping stabilize the Cardinals' lineup as they won 100 games and the title. Defensively, Heyward excelled in right field, leading the with 24 () at the position, which underscored his elite range and arm strength. This performance earned him his fourth . The Cardinals' postseason run ended in the (NLDS) against the Chicago Cubs, whom they lost to 3-1. Heyward performed solidly in the four-game series, hitting .357 (5-for-14) with one , two RBIs, and a 1.080 , including a crucial two-run homer in Game 4 that briefly kept alive. His defensive contributions continued to shine, with several highlight-reel plays that limited Cubs' scoring opportunities. Heyward's one-year stint with the Cardinals significantly bolstered the team's defense, transforming a vulnerability into a strength and contributing to their league-best 100 wins during the regular season. Following the NLDS exit, he became a , entering a lucrative market as one of the top available outfielders at age 26.

Chicago Cubs years

On December 15, 2015, the Chicago Cubs signed Heyward to an eight-year, $184 million contract, the largest in franchise history at the time and a record for a . In his debut season with the Cubs in , Heyward batted .230 with seven home runs and 49 RBIs over 142 games, while earning his fifth for his elite right-field defense, where he led outfielders with 18 . The Cubs captured the that year, defeating the Indians in seven games for their since 1908. Heyward's impact extended beyond statistics during Game 7, when he gathered teammates in the clubhouse during a 17-minute rain delay to deliver an impromptu motivational speech that helped rally the team to a 8-7 victory. Heyward showed offensive improvement from 2017 to 2018, batting .259 with 11 home runs in 2017 and .270 with 15 home runs in 2018, while maintaining strong defensive contributions in right field. The Cubs advanced to the in both seasons, falling to the each time. The 2019 and 2020 seasons were hampered by injuries for Heyward, limiting his consistency despite solid production; he hit .251 with 21 home runs in 147 games in 2019 and .265 with six home runs in 50 games during the shortened 2020 campaign. The Cubs missed the playoffs in 2019 and exited early in the expanded 2020 . By and 2022, Heyward transitioned to a reduced and bench role, batting .214 with eight home runs in 104 games in and .204 with four home runs in 48 games in 2022 before being placed on the with a issue. The Cubs released him on , 2022, allowing him to become a with one year remaining on his contract. Over seven seasons with the Cubs, Heyward compiled a .245 batting average with 62 home runs and 289 RBIs in 744 games, contributing to one World Series appearance and victory in 2016. He emerged as a key leader in the young clubhouse, fostering team unity through mentorship and vocal guidance, much like a veteran presence akin to former Cubs catcher David Ross.

Los Angeles Dodgers period

Following his release by the Chicago Cubs in November 2022, Jason Heyward signed a minor league contract with the on December 8, 2022, with an invitation to as a non-roster invitee. The Dodgers selected his contract on March 30, 2023, adding him to the roster, where he earned a prorated salary of approximately $720,000 while the Cubs covered the remaining $22 million from his prior contract. In the 2023 season, Heyward settled into a platoon role primarily against right-handed pitchers, leveraging his left-handed swing for a .269 , 15 home runs, and 40 RBIs over 110 games, while providing Gold Glove-caliber defense in the and serving as a positive clubhouse influence. His performance against right-handers was particularly strong, posting a .813 OPS in those matchups, which helped stabilize the Dodgers' depth during a competitive race. Impressed by his contributions, the Dodgers re-signed Heyward to a one-year, $9 million on November 27, 2023, positioning him for a similar utility role in 2024. However, the 2024 season proved challenging due to injuries, beginning with lower back tightness that sidelined him for over a month after just four games, followed by a left bone bruise in July that cost him additional time on the 10-day . Despite these setbacks, Heyward appeared in 63 games for the Dodgers, batting .208 with 6 home runs and 28 RBIs, while continuing to offer veteran and defensive versatility across and first base. His presence helped foster team chemistry during a injury-plagued year, contributing to the Dodgers' overall success en route to their 2024 victory over the Yankees. Over his two seasons with the Dodgers, Heyward compiled a .249 , 21 home runs, and 68 RBIs in 173 games, earning praise for his and intangible impact beyond the . On August 22, 2024, the Dodgers designated him for assignment to clear a roster spot, and after clearing waivers, he became a two days later. Recognizing his early-season role on the 2024 championship roster, the Dodgers presented Heyward with his during a pregame ceremony at on August 29, 2025.

Houston Astros stint

Following his designation for assignment by the Los Angeles Dodgers on August 22, 2024, and subsequent release on August 25, Heyward signed a major league contract with the Astros on August 29, 2024, pending a physical that he passed shortly thereafter. Heyward provided veteran depth to the Astros' during their late-season playoff push, serving primarily as a , defensive replacement, and occasional pinch-hitter while offering leadership in the clubhouse. In 24 games with , he recorded a .218 with four home runs and nine RBIs in 55 at-bats, contributing some power despite limited opportunities. The Astros qualified for the as the League's No. 3 but were eliminated by the Tigers in a best-of-three , two games to none; Heyward appeared in two postseason games, going 0-for-3 at the plate with no RBIs. He elected free agency on October 31, 2024, concluding his brief stint with the team.

San Diego Padres contract and release

Following a brief appearance with the Houston Astros late in the 2024 season, Jason Heyward entered free agency and signed a one-year, $1 million major league contract with the Padres on February 11, 2025. Heyward impressed in with key hits, including a three-run triple on March 20 against the and a two-run double on March 14, helping secure his spot on the roster. He started the regular season in the outfield rotation, primarily platooning in left field with right-handed hitter to provide balance against opposing pitchers. Heyward's 2025 campaign was severely limited by injuries, marking a challenging 16th season in . He landed on the 10-day on April 19 with left knee inflammation, retroactive to April 17, and was activated on April 29. Just weeks later, on May 24, he returned to the with a left . To aid his recovery from the oblique injury, Heyward began a rehab assignment with the Triple-A on June 13, appearing in five games and going 2-for-21 (.095 average) with one double and eight strikeouts. On June 21, prior to any activation from the , the Padres designated him for assignment to clear a 40-man roster spot for the return of right-hander from his own injury. Heyward cleared waivers and was outrighted off the roster, leading to his unconditional release by the Padres on June 24, 2025. In 34 games with San Diego, he posted a .176 batting average with 2 home runs, 12 RBI, and a .494 OPS, reflecting diminished production at age 35 amid the injuries. As of November 2025, the 36-year-old Heyward remains an unsigned free agent with no further MLB contract, prompting speculation about retirement after a career spanning over 1,800 games and a 2016 World Series title.

Awards and honors

Major league awards

In his rookie season of 2010 with the Atlanta Braves, Jason Heyward finished as the runner-up for the National League Rookie of the Year Award, voted by the Baseball Writers' Association of America, behind San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey after receiving 15 of 32 first-place votes. He was also named the Sporting News National League Rookie of the Year, recognizing his .277 batting average, 11 home runs, 18 stolen bases, and strong defensive contributions in right field over 142 games. Additionally, Heyward earned the National League Rookie of the Month honor for May 2010, batting .337 with four home runs and 19 RBIs in 25 games. Throughout his career, Heyward received select offensive accolades, including the Atlanta Braves' in 2014, given annually to the team's top offensive performer, following a season in which he hit .271 with 11 home runs and 42 RBIs while leading the majors with 10 in the outfield. Heyward contributed to two championships as a key reserve . He was part of the Chicago Cubs' 2016 -winning roster, defeating the Cleveland Indians in seven games to secure the franchise's first title in 108 years. In , he earned a ring with the after their victory over the New York Yankees in five games, marking his second championship despite limited playing time due to injury.

All-Star and defensive recognitions

Heyward earned four selections during his career, in 2010 (where he was named but did not play), 2012, 2015 (as the starting ), and 2017. His defensive prowess was recognized with five Rawlings Gold Glove Awards as a , the most among active players at the position during his prime: in 2012 and 2014 with the , 2015 with the St. Louis Cardinals, and 2016 and 2017 with the Chicago Cubs. Heyward was named the Overall Defensive Player of the Year in 2014 and 2015. Advanced metrics underscored his elite fielding, as Heyward led the in () for right fielders in multiple seasons, including a league-high +21 in 2015, and amassed a career total of +141 across 16 seasons (as of 2025). He also captured three Fielding Bible Awards, an independent honor based on sabermetric analysis, for right field in 2012, 2014, and 2015. In 2015, Heyward was nominated for the Rawlings Platinum Glove Award, which honors the top overall defender in the National League regardless of position, though he did not win. Throughout his career, Heyward built a reputation as one of the premier defensive right fielders of the 2010s, praised for his powerful arm, quick reads, and ability to cover vast ground in the outfield.

Playing style

Offensive approach

Heyward entered Major League Baseball as a promising power hitter during his early tenure with the Atlanta Braves from 2010 to 2014, relying on a pull-side approach that emphasized driving the ball to left field for extra-base hits. In his rookie season of 2010, he hit 18 home runs with a .277 batting average, setting the tone for a period where he slugged .456 overall across those five years, including a career-high 27 home runs in 2012. This style leveraged his natural left-handed strength, allowing him to generate significant pull power, as evidenced by his reputation for delivering key hits to the pull side in high-leverage situations. Throughout his career, Heyward has exhibited disciplined plate appearances, maintaining a low rate of 17.7 percent and a walk rate of 10.1 percent, which have contributed to a .336 in 6,995 plate appearances. These rates reflect his selective approach, often working counts to avoid chasing pitches outside the zone and capitalizing on pitches in the . His career batting line stands at .255/.336/.408, with 186 home runs and 730 RBIs in 1,824 games, underscoring a consistent but not overpowering offensive profile. Advanced metrics further highlight this balance, with a career weighted plus (wRC+) of 104, indicating slightly above league-average production adjusted for and era. Heyward's offensive evolution shifted markedly after his early peak, influenced by injuries that curtailed his power output and prompted a greater emphasis on contact and on-base skills. His 2012 slugging percentage of .479 marked the height of his pull-heavy power phase, but subsequent seasons saw a decline, with a long, looping swing creating vulnerabilities to breaking balls and shifts. From 2016 to 2022, he endured prolonged slumps, posting batting averages below .250 in five of those seven years and an overall .238 average during the stretch, often adapting to leadoff or table-setter roles to maximize his speed and discipline rather than raw power. In later years, particularly from 2023 onward, he experienced a partial resurgence in matchups against left-handed pitchers, batting .220 with a since 2023 while focusing on line-drive contact to mitigate injury risks.

Defensive prowess

Jason Heyward established himself as one of Major League Baseball's premier defensive outfielders throughout his career, primarily anchoring right field where he appeared in over 1,400 games. His ability to play all three outfield positions demonstrated remarkable versatility, shifting to center field during his time with the and , and later to left field with the and to accommodate team needs. This adaptability allowed him to contribute elite defense across multiple roles, earning him five Rawlings Gold Glove Awards in the from 2012 to 2017. Heyward's arm strength was a standout feature, with data recording an average throw velocity of 89.9 in 2024, placing him around the 50th among outfielders. He frequently unleashed high-velocity throws to cut down baserunners, exemplified by a 99 laser to home plate that nabbed a runner in a 2016 game against the Philadelphia Phillies. His career outfield assists peaked at 11 in 2012 with the Braves, and he recorded 10 more in 2015 while with the Cardinals, contributing to his reputation for preventing extra bases. Renowned for his range and instincts, Heyward excelled at reading batted balls and taking efficient routes, often turning potential hits into outs with his speed and anticipation. Advanced metrics underscored this prowess; he led outfielders with 18 Defensive Runs Saved () in 2016, his first season with the Cubs. His peak DRS reached 28 in 2015, while Total Zone Runs—a measure similar to Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR)—hit 27 in 2014, reflecting his above-average fielding efficiency. These skills enabled iconic plays, such as a highlight-reel in right field during a 2015 regular-season game against the Houston Astros, where he dove to snag a line drive that preserved a key out. Even into his mid-30s, Heyward maintained Gold Glove-caliber defense despite a minor decline attributable to age and injuries in the . His remained positive in limited action with the Dodgers in 2023 and 2024, though he played fewer innings overall due to health issues and roles. This enduring excellence across teams solidified his legacy as a defensive cornerstone in .

Personal life

Family and relationships

Jason Heyward married Vedrana Kocovic, a social activist whose parents emigrated from , in March 2021. The couple met in , where Vedrana grew up in Evanston after her family's arrival in the United States. Heyward and his wife have two sons: Messi, born in March 2022, and Slaš, born in December 2023. The family maintains a relatively private life, though Heyward has occasionally shared glimpses of their experiences through public appearances tied to his career transitions across teams. Heyward's younger brother, , pursued a career as an , playing in the for organizations including the Giants after being drafted in out of the ; he later transitioned to coaching and managing in the Giants' system. Their parents, Eugene and Laura Heyward, raised the family in , where Jason developed his early interest in . During his time with the Chicago Cubs from 2016 to 2022, Heyward resided in a six-bedroom mansion in 's Gold Coast neighborhood, purchased in October 2020 for $5.9 million. The family later moved to following his signing with the Dodgers in , while preserving strong connections to their roots.

Philanthropic efforts

Throughout his career, Jason Heyward has engaged in various charitable initiatives focused on youth development, community support, and social issues. Early in his professional tenure with the , he participated in the Anti-Defamation League's No Place for Hate campaign, recording anti- public service announcements in English and Spanish alongside teammates , , and Brian McCann to promote tolerance and combat bullying in schools. During his time with the Chicago Cubs from 2016 to 2022, Heyward channeled significant resources into local causes through the Heyward Family Fund, including a $200,000 donation in March 2020 split equally between (providing medical supplies and meals to violence-impacted families) and the Greater Chicago Food Depository to address needs amid the . In June 2020, he contributed another $100,000 to the Medicine via the fund, with half supporting frontline healthcare workers facing financial hardships and the other half funding workers for on 's South Side. Heyward also co-funded a 10-acre, $31 million , , and wellness facility on 's West Side in partnership with his wife, Vedrana, the Foundation, and other donors; the project includes the Jason Heyward Academy, a 150,000-square-foot community center offering affordable training, classrooms, and fields to underserved , which opened in February 2023. His earned him the Chicago Cubs' nomination for the 2021 , recognizing his efforts in funding facilities, supporting violence victims, and aiding pandemic relief. With the from 2023 to 2024, Heyward served as a RBI Ambassador and collaborated with the Foundation on youth initiatives, including hosting a skills training clinic in September 2023 for inner-city participants in MLB's Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities to enhance access and skills development. Through these and related efforts, such as the Jason Heyward Baseball Academy's ongoing , he has mentored young athletes, emphasizing and personal growth in underserved communities.

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