Former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Jason Heyward is hanging up his cleats after a long, well-traveled career.
Heyward was a key part of the 2016 Chicago Cubs team that won the franchise’s first World Series, serving as a perennial postseason pain for the Dodgers.
He has racked up 41.5 bWAR over his 16 years of playing baseball. Most notably, Heyward is known for his time with the Chicago Cubs and the Atlanta Braves.
Surprisingly, despite being quite productive during his career, he has only made one All-Star team, but he does have five Gold Glove awards.
Heyward joined the Dodgers back in 2023, during his mid-30s, and he was quite valuable to the team — a 1.9 bWAR with a .269/.340/.473 slash line and 15 home runs.
However, his production declined in 2024, when he returned to the team, as he hit .208/.289/.393 in 63 games.
The Dodgers cut ties with him after re-signing the lefty hitter to a $9 million contract, waiving him before he got picked up by the Houston Astros.
His production did not get better in Houston, but the San Diego Padres, needing help in the outfield, gave the veteran another chance, which ended up being his last, as he continued to struggle hitting the ball.
Heyward can still provide a good deal of leadership and a solid glove, but his lack of hitting and run of injuries left him a burden at the bottom of the order.
While his career did not end how it started, Heyward’s cultural impact on the Dodgers still looms large.
Jason Heyward’s legacy with the Dodgers
Heyward was rommates and close friend of former Atlanta Brave Freddie Freeman, who also joined the Dodgers, and the pair played together.
Upon signing Heyward, Freeman let the franchise know that the outfielder will have an impact that will remain even when he leaves.
“He’s gonna help the Dodgers organization a lot longer than he’s gonna play here,” Freeman recalled telling them.
Manager Dave Roberts also gave credit to Heyward for his contributions off the field, helping young players get comfortable.
“Those are things that as a manager, it’s not always about performance on the field,” Roberts said. “I think for me, I get more joy out of seeing players mature and grow and have gratitude. And I think that Jason really understands who he is as a man and his place in this world.”
What are your favorite Jason Heyward moments as a Dodger?
