In a game that will forever be etched in baseball lore, the 2016 World Series saw the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Guardians face off in a nail-biting Game 7. A 17-minute rain delay added to the drama, but it was Jason Heyward's legendary clubhouse speech that helped propel the Cubs to victory. While Ben Zobrist clinched the MVP with his clutch hit in the tenth inning, Heyward's words were a pivotal moment in the Cubs' historic win.
Now, after 16 seasons in the majors, Jason Heyward has announced his retirement. The outfielder, who began his career with the Atlanta Braves in 2010, quickly made a name for himself, finishing as the runner-up for Rookie of the Year and earning an All-Star nod.
His early promise with the Braves led to a standout 2015 season with the St. Louis Cardinals, boasting a .293 average, 13 home runs, and 60 RBIs.
Heyward's performance earned him a lucrative eight-year, $184 million contract with the Cubs, the largest in franchise history. Despite the high expectations, his tenure in Chicago was a mixed bag.
While he never surpassed 2.4 bWAR in a season, he did secure two Gold Gloves and delivered his unforgettable World Series speech. His best offensive season with the Cubs came in 2019, when he hit .251 with 21 homers and 62 RBIs.
Though his batting struggles were evident during the World Series (3-for-20), Heyward's defensive prowess and leadership were invaluable. After his stint with the Cubs, he found a resurgence with the Dodgers in 2023, though he later moved to the Astros and then the Padres, wrapping up his career with a .255/.336/.408 slash line and an OPS+ of 101.
Heyward's retirement follows that of former Cleveland catcher Roberto Pérez, leaving José Ramírez as the last player from that epic Series still with his original team.
As Heyward steps away from the game, his legacy remains defined by leadership, resilience, and the ability to inspire in the most crucial moments.