Jason Heyward 2025: Net Worth, Career Earnings, Contract, Salary, Wife

Jason Heyward has established himself as one of baseball’s most respected outfielders during his extensive MLB career. Known for his exceptional defensive skills and leadership qualities, Heyward has built an impressive legacy in the sport. From his dramatic MLB debut home run to his crucial rain delay speech during the 2016 World Series, his impact goes far beyond statistics.

In this article, you’ll discover Heyward’s current financial standin, including his $100 million net worth, career earnings exceeding $200 million, contract history, and endorsement portfolio.

Jason Heyward’s Biography

Early Career

Jason Adenolith Heyward was born on August 9, 1989, in Ridgewood, New Jersey, but grew up in McDonough, Georgia. Baseball runs in his family – his father, Eugene Heyward, played basketball at Dartmouth College, and his uncle, Kenny Washington, played in the NBA.

From an early age, Jason showed exceptional athletic ability and a natural talent for baseball. His parents recognized his potential and encouraged his passion for the sport, with his father often practicing with him in their backyard.

Heyward quickly emerged as one of the nation’s top baseball prospects. Standing at 6’5″ and displaying remarkable athleticism, he dominated high school competition both as a hitter and fielder.

During his senior year, he posted impressive statistics with a .485 batting average, 8 home runs, and 29 RBIs. His exceptional performance earned him numerous accolades, including being named an All-American by Baseball America and the Gatorade Player of the Year for Georgia.

Heyward’s talent didn’t go unnoticed by professional scouts. The Atlanta Braves selected him 14th overall in the first round of the 2007 MLB Draft, signing him with a $1.7 million bonus – a substantial investment that demonstrated their faith in his potential. Rather than pursuing college baseball, Heyward chose to begin his professional journey immediately within the Braves’ minor league system.

Heyward was ranked as baseball’s top prospect by Baseball America, creating significant anticipation for his major league debut. His minor league coaches praised not just his physical tools – his power, speed, and arm strength – but also his baseball IQ, work ethic, and character.

They noted his rare combination of raw talent and refined approach to the game, suggesting he had the potential to become a franchise cornerstone. This rapid rise through the minor leagues set the stage for what would be a memorable major league debut and the beginning of a distinguished MLB career.

Professional Career

Jason Heyward made his highly-anticipated major league debut with the Atlanta Braves on Opening Day, April 5, 2010, against the Chicago Cubs – the team he would later join. In storybook fashion, Heyward smashed a three-run home run in his very first at-bat off Carlos Zambrano, instantly endearing himself to Braves fans and announcing his arrival in the majors with authority.

This dramatic debut set the tone for an impressive rookie season in which he hit .277 with 18 home runs, 72 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases, earning him a second-place finish in National League Rookie of the Year voting and his first All-Star selection at just 20 years old.

Heyward spent five seasons with the Atlanta Braves (2010-2014), establishing himself as an elite defender in right field. He won his first two Gold Glove Awards in 2012 and 2014, showcasing his exceptional range and arm strength.

Though his offensive production fluctuated during these years, partly due to injuries, his defensive prowess remained consistent. His best offensive season with the Braves came in 2012 when he hit 27 home runs, drove in 82 runs, and stole 21 bases, demonstrating his rare power-speed combination.

The Braves traded Heyward to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he spent the 2015 season. With the Cardinals, he continued to excel defensively while posting strong offensive numbers – a .293 batting average, 13 home runs, and 60 RBIs, along with 23 stolen bases.

His all-around performance helped the Cardinals win 100 games and the NL Central title. After the season, Heyward became a free agent and signed what was then one of the largest contracts in MLB history – an eight-year, $184 million deal with the Chicago Cubs prior to the 2016 season.

Heyward’s time with the Cubs defined much of his career. While his offensive numbers didn’t match the expectations that came with his massive contract, his leadership and defensive excellence proved invaluable.

Perhaps his most significant contribution came during Game 7 of the 2016 World Series, when Heyward called a players-only meeting during a rain delay after the Cleveland Indians had tied the game.

His passionate speech helped rally the Cubs, who went on to win their first World Series title in 108 years. This moment cemented Heyward’s legacy as a clubhouse leader whose impact transcended statistics.

Wife

Jason Heyward married Vedrana Grbić in a relatively private ceremony. Vedrana, who maintains a low profile despite being married to a high-profile athlete, has supported Heyward throughout his career transitions and challenges.

The couple welcomed their first child, a son, in 2020, adding the role of father to Heyward’s already accomplished life. They later expanded their family with the birth of their second child in 2023.

Heyward has spoken occasionally in interviews about how becoming a father changed his perspective on his career and life priorities, mentioning that it gave him additional motivation and a deeper appreciation for work-life balance.

Despite his celebrity status, Heyward has successfully managed to give his family privacy, rarely sharing photos or details about his children on social media or with the press. This approach aligns with his overall reputation as a thoughtful, measured individual who values personal privacy alongside his professional obligations.

Friends and teammates have often described Heyward as a family-oriented person who places high importance on his roles as husband and father, regardless of his baseball achievements and commitments.

Jason Heyward’s Net Worth Details

Jason Heyward’s net worth is estimated to be $100 million as of 2025.

Contract

Heyward’s most significant contract was the massive eight-year, $184 million deal he signed with the Chicago Cubs before the 2016 season. This agreement, which averaged $23 million per year, represented one of the largest contracts in MLB history at that time and reflected the high value teams placed on his all-around skills.

The contract included multiple opt-out clauses that Heyward declined to exercise, demonstrating his commitment to the Cubs organization despite facing criticism for his offensive production relative to his salary. Heyward signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers worth $9 million for the 2023 season.

His performance with the Dodgers earned him another contract extension, as he showed improved offensive numbers while maintaining his defensive excellence. He signed a two-year, $20 million contract that extends through the 2025 season, providing stability in the latter stages of his career.

Salary

Jason Heyward’s salary has fluctuated throughout his career, with his peak earnings coming during his Cubs contract. During the early years of that deal, from 2016 to 2018, Heyward earned approximately $28 million per season. The contract was front-loaded, with his salary gradually decreasing in later years to around $22 million for the 2021 and 2022 seasons.

Heyward accepted a significant salary reduction, earning $9 million for the season – a reflection of both market realities for players in their thirties and questions about his offensive production.

His current 2025 salary stands at $11 million, the second year of his two-year deal signed. This salary, while lower than his peak earnings, still places him among the better-compensated outfielders in baseball, particularly those in their mid-thirties.

Career Earnings

Endorsements

Beyond his baseball salary, Heyward has supplemented his income with several strategic endorsement deals throughout his career. His longest-standing partnership has been with Adidas, which began early in his career and has included signature cleats and batting gloves.

The Adidas deal alone has reportedly generated between $1-2 million annually for Heyward at its peak. Heyward has had endorsement relationships with Wilson Sporting Goods for baseball gloves, Topps for trading cards, and regional partnerships with companies in Chicago during his Cubs tenure.

He has been selective about his endorsement portfolio, preferring long-term relationships with brands that align with his personal values.

MLB Career Stats