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 in MLB. He has had a notable career playing for several prominent teams including the Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros. He is known for his defensive abilities in the outfield and has contributed to winning teams throughout his MLB career.

Sections (4)

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

2007: Drafted by Atlanta Braves

In 2007, Jason Heyward was the 14th overall selection by Atlanta in the Major League Baseball draft and signed a contract with the team worth $1.7 million.

2007: Braves Draft Heyward

In 2007, Jason Heyward was the Atlanta Braves' first-round selection in the MLB draft out of Henry County High School in Georgia. He was 17 years old when he began his minor league career.

2007: Minor League Baseball Debut

In 2007, at age 17, Jason Heyward began his professional career in Minor League Baseball in the Braves' system, playing for both the Gulf Coast League Braves and the Danville Braves.

August 25, 2008: Promotion to Myrtle Beach

On August 25, 2008, Jason Heyward was promoted by the Braves to Myrtle Beach.

2008: Split Season in Class-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.

March 2010: Spring Training Invitation

In March 2010, Jason Heyward was invited to spring training by the Braves. During training, he hit two notable batting practice home runs, one damaged a Coca-Cola truck and another broke the sunroof of Bruce Manno's car.

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.

2010: Ranked Top Prospect

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. The Braves added Heyward to their 40-man roster before the 2010 season began.

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 also named to the National League (NL) All-Star team that season and finished second in the NL Rookie of the Year Award voting.

2012: Breakout Season

In 2012, Jason Heyward had a breakout season, hitting 27 home runs, driving in 82 runs, scoring 93 runs, and stealing 21 bases.

2012: Season Improvement Efforts

In 2012, in an effort to improve his performance, Jason Heyward streamlined his swing, modified his diet and participated in physical therapy. On May 13, his bases-loaded double drove in the game-winning run against the Cardinals.

January 18, 2013: Signs One-Year Deal

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

February 4, 2014: Signs Two-Year Contract

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 Cardinals

On November 17, 2014, Jason Heyward was traded by the Braves to the St. Louis Cardinals.

2014: Traded to the Cardinals

After the 2014 season, Jason Heyward was traded 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 and garnered three hits in a victory over the Chicago Cubs.

December 15, 2015: Signs Contract with the Cubs

On December 15, 2015, Jason Heyward signed an eight-year, $184 million contract with the Cubs, which was the largest player contract ever signed by the Cubs at that 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 a 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: World Series Win

In 2016, Jason Heyward was a member of the Chicago Cubs' World Series-winning team.

2016: Brother Drafted by Giants

In 2016, Jason Heyward's 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, Jason Heyward scored the go-ahead run on a Javier Baez single, sending the Cubs to the 2016 National League Championship Series.

November 14, 2022: Heyward Officially Released by Chicago Cubs

On November 14, 2022, Jason Heyward was officially released by the Chicago Cubs.

November 2022: Released by the Cubs

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

December 8, 2022: Heyward Signed Minor League Contract with Dodgers

On December 8, 2022, Jason Heyward signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, which included an invitation to major league spring training.

December 6, 2023: Heyward Signed One-Year Contract to Return to Dodgers

On December 6, 2023, Jason Heyward signed a one-year, $9 million contract to return to the Dodgers.

2023: Plays for the Dodgers

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

August 29, 2024: Heyward Signed One-Year Contract with the Houston Astros

On August 29, 2024, Jason Heyward signed a one-year, major league contract with the Houston Astros and hit a key two-run double during his debut.

September 24, 2024: Astros Clinched AL West Division Title

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