Jason Alias Heyward, nicknamed “J-Hey”, is an American former professional baseball right fielder.
Jason Heyward is an American professional baseball player who has a net worth of $80 million.
Jason Heyward is a former professional baseball player whose 16-year Major League career was defined by elite defense, early superstardom expectations, and a reputation as one of the game’s most respected clubhouse leaders. Debuting with the Atlanta Braves in 2010 as one of baseball’s top prospects, Heyward immediately made an impact, launching a home run in his first career at-bat and finishing second in National League Rookie of the Year voting. Over the next decade and a half, he built a career that blended solid offensive production with exceptional defensive skill, earning five Gold Glove Awards and one All-Star selection.
Though he never fully developed into the perennial MVP candidate some projected early on, Heyward remained a valuable contributor thanks to his versatility, baseball IQ, and leadership. His career included stops with the Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Diego Padres. He played a key role in the Chicago Cubs’ historic 2016 World Series championship, famously delivering a rain-delay speech that teammates credited with helping inspire a comeback in Game 7.
By the time he announced his retirement in March 2026 at age 36, Heyward had compiled a .255 batting average, 186 home runs, and 125 stolen bases, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most respected and steady outfielders of his generation.
Contracts, Salaries & Career Earnings
During his MLB career, Jason Heyward earned $200 million in salary.
Heyward entered the league as a highly touted phenom, earning solid paydays through his arbitration years before cashing in on one of the largest free-agent contracts in Chicago Cubs history.
Draft & Pre-Arbitration (2007–2012): Drafted 14th overall in 2007 by the Atlanta Braves, Heyward signed for a $1.7 million bonus. He played his early breakout years on standard rookie and pre-arbitration minimums.
Arbitration & Extension (2013–2015): After a 1-year, $3.65 million deal in 2013, he signed a 2-year, $13.3 million extension with the Braves to buy out his remaining arbitration years. He was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals for the final year of this deal (2015).
The Megadeal (2016–2023): Following a stellar 2015 season, he hit the open market and signed a massive 8-year, $184 million contract with the Chicago Cubs. Though the Cubs released him after the 2022 season, his contract was fully guaranteed, meaning they remained on the hook for his $22 million salary in 2023, plus deferred payments stretching into 2027.
Late Career Resurgence (2023–2025): Heyward signed a minor-league deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers for 2023 (earning the $720,000 league minimum, offset by what the Cubs owed him). He returned to the Dodgers on a 1-year, $9 million deal in 2024, later finishing the year with the Houston Astros. Ahead of 2025, he signed a 1-year, $1 million deal with the San Diego Padres.
Jason Heyward: Career MLB Salary History
| Year | Salary | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | $1,700,000Signing Bonus | Atlanta Braves |
| 2010 | $400,000All-Star Debut | Atlanta Braves |
| 2011 | $496,500 | Atlanta Braves |
| 2012 | $565,0001st Gold Glove | Atlanta Braves |
| 2013 | $3,650,000 | Atlanta Braves |
| 2014 | $4,500,000 | Atlanta Braves |
| 2015 | $7,800,000 | St. Louis Cardinals |
| 2016 | $20,000,000World Series Champion | Chicago Cubs |
| 2017 | $21,500,000 | Chicago Cubs |
| 2018 | $21,500,000 | Chicago Cubs |
| 2019 | $20,000,000 | Chicago Cubs |
| 2020 | $21,000,000 | Chicago Cubs |
| 2021 | $21,000,000 | Chicago Cubs |
| 2022 | $22,000,000 | Chicago Cubs |
| 2023 | $22,720,000$22M Cubs + $720K Dodgers | Cubs / Dodgers |
| 2024 | $9,740,000 | Dodgers / Astros |
| 2025 | $1,000,000 | San Diego Padres |
| 2026 | $0Retired (March 27, 2026) | — |
| Total | ~$199,571,500 |
