Jason Heyward Retires After 16 MLB Seasons, Amassing Over $200 Million

After a strong regular season in which the Atlanta Braves won the National League East with a record of 94-68 under first-year manager Walt Weiss, the team has entered the offseason following a loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4 of the NLDS.

In the backdrop of the Braves’ early exit, former star Jason Heyward decided to retire after an impressive 16 seasons in MLB. On March 27, 2026, ESPN reported that Heyward, a World Series champion and five-time Gold Glove winner, ended his baseball career. His total career earnings, exceeding $200 million once all deferred payments are received, speak to his successful tenure in the sport.

Heyward started his MLB journey after being selected in the first round of the 2007 MLB Draft by the Braves. He enjoyed the first five years of his career in Atlanta, making an All-Star appearance as a rookie. After a brief time with the St. Louis Cardinals, he found longer-term success with the Chicago Cubs, where he celebrated a World Series victory in 2016. Heyward’s career later included tenures with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros, and San Diego Padres.

On his retirement, Heyward shared an emotional Instagram post thanking the game of baseball for the experiences and lessons it provided, as well as expressing gratitude to his family and fans for their support.