Career Timeline of Jason Heyward: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Jason Heyward made an impact.

Jason Heyward, nicknamed "J-Hey," is a professional baseball outfielder currently playing for the San Diego Padres. His MLB career includes stints with the Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Houston Astros. Heyward is known for his defensive abilities, particularly in right field, and has won multiple Gold Glove Awards. While his offensive production has been inconsistent, his leadership and clubhouse presence are highly valued. He was a highly touted prospect early in his career and has remained a significant figure in MLB for over a decade.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2007: Drafted by Atlanta Braves

In 2007, Jason Heyward was selected as the 14th overall pick by the Atlanta Braves in the Major League Baseball draft. He signed a contract with the team worth $1.7 million, choosing professional baseball over attending UCLA.

2007: Minor League Debut

In 2007, at age 17, Jason Heyward began his professional career in Minor League Baseball within the Braves' system, playing for both the Gulf Coast League Braves and the Danville Braves of the Appalachian League. He homered in his first professional game and batted .302 with one home run and six RBIs in 12 minor league contests. Baseball America recognized him as the Braves' top overall prospect, highlighting his power hitting, strike zone discipline, and other skills.

2007: Braves Draft Heyward

In 2007, the Atlanta Braves selected Jason Heyward in the first round of the MLB draft from Henry County High School in Georgia. He was 17 years old at the time and began his minor league career.

August 25, 2008: Promotion to Myrtle Beach

On August 25, 2008, Jason Heyward was promoted to Myrtle Beach in the Carolina League, where he played seven games.

2008: Split Season in Class-A and Advanced-A

In 2008, Jason Heyward split the season between Class-A Rome of the South Atlantic League (SAL) and Advanced-A Myrtle Beach of the Carolina League. He was named the club's Player of the Month in April and had 42 multi-hit games while playing for Rome.

2009: Multiple Promotions and Awards

In 2009, Jason Heyward started the season at Myrtle Beach and received promotions to Double-A Mississippi and Triple-A Gwinnett. He was named Carolina League Player of the Week on May 18. He was selected for the Carolina League All-Star team but missed the game due to an injury. He participated in the All-Star Futures Game at Busch Stadium. He was promoted to Mississippi on July 4 and named the team's Player of the Month. He appeared with the Gwinnett Braves from September 5-7 and played in the Arizona Fall League (AFL). Baseball America and USA Today named him Minor League Player of the Year, and he won the Braves' Hank Aaron Award.

March 2010: Spring Training and Number Change

In March 2010, Jason Heyward was invited to spring training with the Braves. His hitting drew significant attention, leading to his inclusion as a regular in the lineup. He hit two batting practice home runs, one damaging a Coca-Cola truck and another breaking the sunroof of Bruce Manno's car. Initially issued number 71, he requested and received number 22 in memory of Andrew Wilmot.

October 7, 2010: Postseason Debut

On October 7, 2010, Jason Heyward made his postseason debut in the National League Division Series (NLDS) against the San Francisco Giants. The Giants eliminated the Atlanta Braves.

2010: Top Prospect Ranking and 40-Man Roster Addition

Entering the 2010 season, Baseball America, Keith Law of ESPN.com, and Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com each listed Jason Heyward as baseball's top prospect. Before the season, the Braves added Heyward to their 40-man roster.

2010: MLB Debut and All-Star Selection

In 2010, Jason Heyward debuted in MLB as Atlanta's starting right fielder on Opening Day. He was named to the National League (NL) All-Star team that season and finished second in the NL Rookie of the Year Award voting.

2012: Preseason Preparation and Game-Winning Double

In 2012, Jason Heyward took extra steps in his preseason preparation, streamlining his swing, modifying his diet, and participating in physical therapy. On May 13, his bases-loaded double off Lance Lynn drove in the game-winning run against the Cardinals.

2012: Breakout Season

Jason Heyward enjoyed a breakout season in 2012. That season, he hit 27 home runs, drove in 82 runs, scored 93 runs, and stole 21 bases.

January 18, 2013: Contract Agreement with Braves

On January 18, 2013, the Braves avoided salary arbitration with Jason Heyward by signing him to a one-year, $3.65 million deal.

February 4, 2014: Contract Extension with the Braves

On February 4, 2014, the Braves bought out Jason Heyward's last arbitration-eligible years, agreeing on a two-year, $13.3 million contract.

November 17, 2014: Traded to St. Louis Cardinals

On November 17, 2014, the Braves traded Jason Heyward to the St. Louis Cardinals along with pitcher Jordan Walden for pitchers Shelby Miller and Tyrell Jenkins. Cardinals manager Mike Matheny gave Heyward his uniform #22.

2014: Trade to the Cardinals

After the 2014 season, Jason Heyward was traded from the Atlanta Braves to the St. Louis Cardinals.

April 5, 2015: First Game as a Cardinal

On April 5, 2015, Jason Heyward appeared in his first game as a Cardinal, garnering three hits, including two doubles and a stolen base in a 3–0 victory over the Chicago Cubs.

December 15, 2015: Signs with the Cubs

On December 15, 2015, Jason Heyward signed an eight-year, $184 million contract with the Chicago Cubs, which was the largest player contract the Cubs had ever signed at the time.

December 2015: Signs with the Cubs

In December 2015, Jason Heyward signed with the Chicago Cubs as a free agent.

October 25, 2016: First African-Americans to play for Cubs in World Series game

On October 25, 2016, Jason Heyward, along with teammates Dexter Fowler, Addison Russell, and Carl Edwards Jr., became the first African-Americans to play for the Cubs in a World Series game.

2016: Brother Jacob Drafted by Giants

In 2016, Jason Heyward's younger brother, Jacob, was drafted by the San Francisco Giants.

2016: NLDS Game Four

In Game Four of the 2016 National League Division Series against the San Francisco Giants, with the Cubs leading 2–1, Jason Heyward reached on a bunt force out, moved to second on an errant throw, and scored the go-ahead run on a Javier Baez single, sending the Cubs to the 2016 National League Championship Series.

May 8, 2017: Heyward goes on disabled list

On May 8, 2017, Jason Heyward was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to a sprained finger he suffered in a game against the Yankees three days prior.

May 8, 2018: Heyward goes on disabled list due to concussion protocols

On May 8, 2018, Jason Heyward was placed on the disabled list due to concussion protocols after attempting a game-saving catch of a home run by William Fowler in the 14th inning.

May 8, 2022: Heyward placed on injured list with quadriceps strain

On May 8, 2022, Jason Heyward was placed on the injured list with a left quadriceps strain.

November 14, 2022: Heyward released by Chicago Cubs

On November 14, 2022, Jason Heyward was officially released by the Chicago Cubs, even though the team still owed him a $22 million salary for the 2023 season.

November 2022: Release by the Cubs

In November 2022, Jason Heyward was released by the Chicago Cubs.

December 8, 2022: Heyward signs minor league contract with Los Angeles Dodgers

On December 8, 2022, Jason Heyward signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers that included an invitation to major league spring training, marking a new chapter in his career.

December 2022: Heyward's contract listed as one of the worst MLB free-agent contracts

In December 2022, The Sporting News included Jason Heyward's eight-year, $184 million contract with the Cubs on its list of the top 15 worst MLB free-agent contracts of all time.

December 6, 2023: Heyward signs one-year contract to return to the Dodgers

On December 6, 2023, Jason Heyward signed a one-year, $9 million contract to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers, continuing his baseball career.

2023: Plays for the Dodgers

In 2023, Jason Heyward played for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

August 29, 2024: Heyward signs with the Houston Astros

On August 29, 2024, Jason Heyward signed a one-year, major league contract with the Houston Astros. He debuted with a key two-run double in a 6-3 win versus the Kansas City Royals.

September 24, 2024: Astros clinch AL West Division title

On September 24, 2024, the Houston Astros clinched their fourth straight American League (AL) West Division title with a 4–3 win over the Seattle Mariners. Jason Heyward contributed with a key catch and a two-run home run.