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 was 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
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
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.
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.
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.
Chicago Cubs Legend Announces Retirement From MLB After Opening Day