Jason Heyward, despite one year remaining on contract, won’t return to Chicago Cubs in 2023, says Jed Hoyer
CHICAGO – He will forever be known in Chicago for his ‘speech’, but Jason HeywardThe life of a Cub is dwindling, despite one year remaining on his contract.
Hey, 32 years old, won’t come back to Unit for the eighth season in 2023, president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said Monday.
“We want to give him enough rest so he can play and find opportunities,” Hoyer said. “We’ll go our separate ways at the end of the year.”
Heyward has been on the injury list since late June with a knee illness and may not return this season, meaning it is likely he played his last game as a Cub.
The team signed him to an eight-year, $184 million deal prior to the 2016 season. The Cubs would go on to win the World Series that season, the first in 108 years, and Heyward was popular with many. in the organization credited with sparking the team’s 10-round win in Game 7 with his speech in the rain. in Cleveland.
Despite those heroes, Heyward struggled to win the title for most of his Cubs career. He only slashed .245/.323/.377 during his seven years in Chicago.
Hoyer was asked what he would miss most about Heyward’s time as a Cub.
“Great teammate,” Hoyer said. “A great defender. He’s someone that even when he was struggling, he tried his best every day, every season. He didn’t stop working. He didn’t stop trying to get the contract. I broke the curse here.”
The Cubs are in a youth movement with starting angles set for next season. Right now, that includes Ian Happwho is rumored to be dealt with – but is not – before last week’s trading deadline.
“We are likely going to be in a confrontation next year with Seyia (Suzuki) and Ian,” Hoyer said. “For this year, I love having (Heyward) around. He offers great leadership.”
Hoyer did not rule out Heyward’s role with the organization after he retired, but said the veteran told him he wanted to continue playing. It won’t happen to the Cubs.
“We felt it was the right thing to do when we were in the position of an organization,” says Hoyer. “He doesn’t like it but understands where we are. I think it’s been a bit frustrating for the past year and a half.”
Heyward not available for comment before the Cubs host Citizens of Washington on the second night.
Heyward has been in the tournament since 2010 after being selected by Atlanta Braves in the first round of the 2007 draft. He was a career goalscorer .257 with 159 home runs.
