Chicago Cubs Legend Announces Retirement

Jason Hayward is coming off a season the place he appeared in 34 video games for the San Diego Padres.

After Opening Day, the previous All-Star nonetheless remained a free agent who is out there to signal with any group within the MLB.

That stated, Heyward has now introduced that he’s retiring from baseball.

Jayson Heyward Retires From Baseball

gettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 06: Jason Heyward #22 of the San Diego Padres stands within the dugout earlier than the sport towards the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on May 06, 2025 within 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 towards the Cincinnati Reds at Turner Field on July 11, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Heyward was the 14th choose within the 2007 MLB Draft.

He performed the primary 5 seasons of his profession with the Atlanta Braves (making the All-Star Game as a rookie).

Following the Braves, Heyward performed one 12 months for the St. Louis Cardinals.

gettyMILWAUKEE, WI – APRIL 02: Jason Heyward #22 of the Atlanta Braves makes the catch in proper discipline to retire Ryan Brown of the Milwaukee Brewers through the backside 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 fast stops with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros and San Diego Padres.

gettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – APRIL 07: Jason Heyward #22 of the Chicago Cubs reacts from dugout within the fifth inning towards the Milwaukee Brewers on Opening Day at Wrigley Field on April 07, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

Over 1,824 video games, the five-time Gold Glove Award winner batted .255 with 186 residence runs, 730 RBI’s and 125 stolen bases.

Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been overlaying the NBA for over seven years. He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar