Jason Heyward is coming off a season where he appeared in 34 games for the San Diego Padres.
After Opening Day, the former All-Star still remained a free agent who is available to sign with any team in the MLB.
That said, Heyward has now announced that he is retiring from baseball.
Jayson Heyward Retires From Baseball
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 06: Jason Heyward #22 of the San Diego Padres stands in the dugout before the game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on May 06, 2025 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Heyward made his announcement in an Instagram post.
He wrote: “After 31 years, 16 Major League Seasons.
I’d like to take one last time to show LOVE to the game of BASEBALL as a player.
You’ve taken me around the world. Given me something to dream of and work towards as a kid and a professional.
You’ve shown me the value of sacrifice, support, family, friends, competition, winning, respect, growth and many other lessons along the way.
To my wife V, and our kids. Thank you for stepping in and finishing this journey with me as TaTa! Thank you to my parents Eugene & Laura, and my brother Jacob for your love and support.
Thank you to everyone that has given me an opportunity to play this game I’ve loved my whole life.
Every TEAMMATE, COACH, STAFF, TRAINER, MEDIA, PERSONNEL, and many more.
HUGE THANK YOU, to everyone that’s been a FAN of what I’ve given to the game of baseball on and off the field.
Looking forward to everything ahead.”
Heyward’s MLB Career
GettyATLANTA, GA – JULY 11: Jason Heyward #22 of the Atlanta Braves against the Cincinnati Reds at Turner Field on July 11, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Heyward was the 14th pick in the 2007 MLB Draft.
He played the first five seasons of his career with the Atlanta Braves (making the MLB All-Star Game as a rookie).
Following the Braves, Heyward played one year for the St. Louis Cardinals.
GettyMILWAUKEE, WI – APRIL 02: Jason Heyward #22 of the Atlanta Braves makes the catch in right field to retire Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers during the bottom of the fourth inning at Miller Park on April 02, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images)
Heyward then went on to have his longest tenure (seven seasons) with the Chicago Cubs.
He helped the franchise win the World Series Championship (in 2016) over the Cleveland Guardians.
Following the Cubs, Heyward had quick stops with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros and San Diego Padres.
LOS ANGELES, CA – JULY 23, 2024: Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Jason Heyward (23) gets high-fives in the dugout after scoring on a 2-RBI double by Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) in the fourth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Dodgers Stadium on July 23, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Over 1,824 games, the five-time Gold Glove Award winner batted .255 with 186 home runs, 730 RBI’s and 125 stolen bases.
He also appeared in 45 MLB playoff games.
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