Cubs Tell 13-Year Veteran He Will Be Released After 2022

August 09, 2022


After a 13-year career more noted for his hefty contract than any production at the plate, Jason Heyward has been told he will no longer be a part of the Chicago Cubs' plans moving forward.

The former 5-time Gold Glove outfielder has been informed by Cubs GM Jed Hoyer that he will be released after the 2022 season, with $22M still remaining on his albatross of a contract (8 years, $184M).  

The Cubs are in rebuild mode, and simply need to give his at-bats to younger, more promising players. After a discussion, Heyward says he wants to keep playing, and Hoyer said he'll try to look for a team to take him on this offseason. 

Hoyer has the utmost respect for Hayward, and says it's his personality off the field and in the clubhouse that has left a mark more than anything during his career. 

“Great teammate. Great defender. He was someone that, even when he was struggling, he tried his hardest every day, every off-season. He never stopped working. Never stopped trying to earn his contract."

The 6'5" outfielder was a first-round pick of the Atlanta Braves in 2007, and his career started off with a bang, with an .849 OPS and an All-Star nod as a rookie, while finishing runner-up in ROY voting. 

But Heyward never again approached that .849 OPS, and has topped the 20 HR mark only twice in his 13 seasons. He has a .700 OPS in his 8 years in Chicago, averaging less than 9 HR per season. On defense, he did his thing, winning five Gold Gloves in his career. 

In 137 ABs this season, he was hitting .204 with an untenable .556 OPS, and one home run. He's on the IL currently, and will not play again this season.

Photo: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports





Go To: NFL Rumors | NBA Rumors | NHL Rumors

Post a Comment