Biographical

Portrait of Jason Heyward

Jason Heyward RFCubs

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2019 Projections (Preseason PECOTA - seasonal age 29)
PA AVG HR R RBI SB DRC+ WARP
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Birth Date8-9-1989
Height6' 5"
Weight240 lbs
Age34 years, 8 months, 14 days
BatsL
ThrowsL
4.52015
-0.32016
1.62017
2.02018
1.12019
proj
WARP Summary

MLB Statistics

YEAR TEAM AGE G PA H 2B 3B HR BB SO HBP SB CS AVG OBP SLG DRC+ DRAA BRR FRAA BWARP
2010 ATL 20 142 623 144 29 5 18 91 128 10 11 6 .277 .393 .456 121 16.0 -0.1 -2.3 2.6
2011 ATL 21 128 454 90 18 2 14 51 93 4 9 2 .227 .319 .389 90 -4.6 -0.6 -1.2 0.1
2012 ATL 22 158 651 158 30 6 27 58 152 2 21 8 .269 .335 .479 118 13.8 7.2 20.2 5.5
2013 ATL 23 104 440 97 22 1 14 48 73 8 2 4 .254 .349 .427 108 4.3 1.2 6.6 2.2
2014 ATL 24 149 649 155 26 3 11 67 98 6 20 4 .271 .351 .384 110 7.4 1.0 27.2 5.1
2015 SLN 25 154 610 160 33 4 13 56 90 2 23 3 .293 .359 .439 107 7.4 6.1 18.0 4.5
2016 CHN 26 142 592 122 27 1 7 54 93 5 11 4 .230 .306 .325 74 -17.0 -0.4 2.6 -0.3
2017 CHN 27 126 481 112 15 4 11 41 67 3 4 4 .259 .326 .389 86 -6.8 1.9 11.0 1.6
2018 CHN 28 127 489 119 23 4 8 42 60 2 1 1 .270 .335 .395 94 -1.8 3.0 8.8 2.0
2019 CHN 29 147 589 129 20 4 21 68 110 5 8 3 .251 .343 .429 104 6.0 -0.4 -12.8 0.8
Career137755781286243341445769644711039.261.343.41210224.719.078.224.2

Statistics for All Levels

'opp' stats - Quality of opponents faced - have been moved and are available only as OPP_QUAL in the Statistics reports now.
Minor league stats are currently shownClick to hide.
YEAR Team Lg LG G PA oppAVG oppOBP oppSLG BABIP BPF BRAA repLVL POS_ADJ DRC+ DRC+ SD FRAA BRR DRAA BWARP
2007 BRA Rk GCL 8 31 .237 .302 .324 .318 102 0.5 0.8 -0.3 113 0 2.3 0.0 0.6 0.3
2007 DNV Rk APL 4 17 .267 .353 .410 .455 93 0 0.6 -0.2 99 0 -0.2 0.3 0.0 0.1
2008 ROM A SAL 120 508 .257 .326 .382 .368 100 31.9 14.5 -5.6 141 0 14.4 5.5 17.4 4.8
2008 MYR A+ CRL 7 25 .250 .328 .367 .222 101 -0.4 1.7 -0.7 89 0 0.0 0.6 -1.6 0.0
2009 MYR A+ CRL 49 214 .254 .329 .380 .309 99 13.9 6.2 -2.1 147 0 2.6 1.3 10.8 1.9
2009 MIS AA SOU 47 195 .254 .329 .377 .368 89 28.4 5.5 -1.9 199 0 4.0 2.0 20.1 3.1
2009 GWN AAA INT 3 13 .272 .361 .379 .444 101 1 0.8 -0.3 122 0 2.2 0.4 0.7 0.4
2010 ATL MLB NL 142 623 .259 .326 .401 .335 94 38 17.2 -6.3 121 7 -2.3 -0.1 16.0 2.6
2011 ATL MLB NL 128 454 .249 .313 .385 .260 95 0.6 12.2 -4.5 90 9 -1.2 -0.6 -4.6 0.1
2011 GWN AAA INT 2 7 .243 .315 .347 .200 95 -0.3 0.2 -0.1 93 0 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.0
2012 ATL MLB NL 158 651 .251 .314 .396 .319 99 23.3 17.8 -6.5 118 7 20.2 7.2 13.8 5.5
2013 ATL MLB NL 104 440 .256 .319 .396 .281 98 9 11.5 -3.2 108 10 6.6 1.2 4.3 2.2
2013 GWN AAA INT 6 26 .242 .316 .358 .429 98 1.2 0.7 -0.4 104 0 0.1 0.0 -0.2 0.0
2014 ATL MLB NL 149 649 .250 .311 .383 .308 97 15.2 16.7 -6.2 110 6 27.2 1.0 7.4 5.1
2015 SLN MLB NL 154 610 .255 .317 .405 .329 93 24 16.4 -5.7 107 9 18.0 6.1 7.4 4.5
2016 CHN MLB NL 142 592 .259 .328 .424 .266 90 -13 16.7 -5 74 8 2.6 -0.4 -17.0 -0.3
2017 CHN MLB NL 126 481 .256 .326 .423 .284 98 -2.5 14.0 -4.5 86 9 11.0 1.9 -6.8 1.6
2017 SBN A MID 3 8 .271 .336 .445 .571 97 1.5 0.2 -0.1 156 0 -0.2 0.0 0.5 0.0
2018 CHN MLB NL 127 489 .252 .320 .411 .297 98 3.7 13.7 -4 94 7 8.8 3.0 -1.8 2.0
2019 CHN MLB NL 147 589 .251 .321 .431 .281 98 7.8 17.8 -2.4 104 8 -12.8 -0.4 6.0 0.8

Statistics For All Levels

Minor league stats are currently shownClick to hide.
Year Team lvl LG PA AB R H 2B 3B HR TB RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG ISO SF SH
2007 DNV Rk APL 17 16 3 5 1 0 0 6 1 1 5 0 0 .313 .353 .375 .063 0 0
2007 BRA Rk GCL 31 27 1 8 4 0 1 15 5 2 4 1 1 .296 .367 .556 .259 0 0
2008 MYR A+ CRL 25 22 3 4 2 0 0 6 4 2 4 0 0 .182 .250 .273 .091 0 0
2008 ROM A SAL 508 449 88 145 27 6 11 217 52 49 74 15 3 .323 .393 .483 .160 0 0
2009 GWN AAA INT 13 11 3 4 0 0 0 4 2 2 2 1 0 .364 .462 .364 .000 0 0
2009 MIS AA SOU 195 162 32 57 13 4 7 99 30 28 19 5 1 .352 .453 .611 .259 0 0
2009 MYR A+ CRL 214 189 34 56 12 0 10 98 31 21 30 4 0 .296 .373 .519 .222 0 0
2010 ATL MLB NL 623 520 83 144 29 5 18 237 72 91 128 11 6 .277 .393 .456 .179 2 0
2011 ATL MLB NL 454 396 50 90 18 2 14 154 42 51 93 9 2 .227 .319 .389 .162 3 0
2011 GWN AAA INT 7 6 1 1 1 0 0 2 0 1 1 0 0 .167 .286 .333 .167 0 0
2012 ATL MLB NL 651 587 93 158 30 6 27 281 82 58 152 21 8 .269 .335 .479 .210 3 0
2013 GWN AAA INT 26 20 1 6 1 0 0 7 6 4 7 1 0 .300 .423 .350 .050 1 0
2013 ATL MLB NL 440 382 67 97 22 1 14 163 38 48 73 2 4 .254 .349 .427 .173 0 1
2014 ATL MLB NL 649 573 74 155 26 3 11 220 58 67 98 20 4 .271 .351 .384 .113 3
2015 SLN MLB NL 610 547 79 160 33 4 13 240 60 56 90 23 3 .293 .359 .439 .146 3 0
2016 CHN MLB NL 592 530 61 122 27 1 7 172 49 54 93 11 4 .230 .306 .325 .094 2 1
2017 CHN MLB NL 481 432 59 112 15 4 11 168 59 41 67 4 4 .259 .326 .389 .130 2 2
2017 SBN A MID 8 7 2 4 0 0 0 4 2 1 0 0 0 .571 .625 .571 .000 0 0
2018 CHN MLB NL 489 440 67 119 23 4 8 174 57 42 60 1 1 .270 .335 .395 .125 2 2
2019 CHN MLB NL 589 513 78 129 20 4 21 220 62 68 110 8 3 .251 .343 .429 .177 3 0

Plate Discipline

YEAR Pits Zone% Swing% Contact% Z-Swing% O-Swing% Z-Contact% O-Contact% SwStr% CSAA
2010 2573 0.4796 0.3867 0.7779 0.5592 0.2278 0.8652 0.5803 0.2221 0.0132
2011 1776 0.4690 0.4403 0.7583 0.6218 0.2800 0.8436 0.5909 0.2417 0.0114
2012 2617 0.4578 0.4631 0.7294 0.6260 0.3256 0.7907 0.6299 0.2706 -0.0005
2013 1786 0.4513 0.4390 0.7793 0.6266 0.2847 0.8218 0.7025 0.2207 0.0106
2014 2528 0.4668 0.4316 0.8038 0.6093 0.2760 0.8651 0.6855 0.1962 0.0057
2015 2328 0.4592 0.4115 0.8403 0.5828 0.2661 0.9278 0.6776 0.1597 -0.0078
2016 2275 0.4651 0.4127 0.8285 0.5851 0.2629 0.8837 0.7219 0.1715 0.0000
2017 1715 0.4758 0.4624 0.8323 0.6434 0.2981 0.9143 0.6716 0.1677 0.0000
2018 1829 0.4822 0.4533 0.8299 0.6077 0.3094 0.8899 0.7201 0.1701 0.0000
2019 2202 0.4541 0.4523 0.7741 0.6260 0.3078 0.8482 0.6486 0.2259 0.0000
Career216290.46590.43360.79390.60670.28270.86380.66090.20610.0032

Injury History  —  No longer being updated

Last Update: 12/31/2014 23:59 ET

Date On Date Off Transaction Days Games Side Body Part Injury Severity Surgery Date Reaggravation
2014-09-18 2014-09-23 DTD 5 4 Left Thumb Contusion HBP -
2014-07-29 2014-08-02 DTD 4 4 - Low Back Tightness -
2014-06-14 2014-06-14 DTD 0 0 Right Hand Contusion HBP -
2014-04-05 2014-04-05 DTD 0 0 - Neck Spasms - -
2013-08-22 2013-09-20 15-DL 29 26 - Face Surgery Fracture Jaw From HBP 2013-08-22 -
2013-08-07 2013-08-07 DTD 0 0 - Neck Strain - -
2013-07-12 2013-07-22 DTD 10 6 Right Thigh Strain Hamstring - -
2013-04-21 2013-05-17 15-DL 26 23 - General Medical Surgery Appendix 2013-04-22 -
2013-03-11 2013-03-12 Camp 1 0 Right Shoulder Soreness - -
2012-04-30 2012-05-02 DTD 2 2 Right Abdomen Soreness Oblique - -
2012-04-02 2012-04-04 Camp 2 0 Left Thigh Strain - -
2011-07-18 2011-07-20 DTD 2 2 Left Foot Contusion HBP - -
2011-05-22 2011-06-15 15-DL 24 20 Right Shoulder Inflammation Rotator Cuff -
2011-05-20 2011-05-21 DTD 1 1 Right Shoulder Inflammation Rotator Cuff -
2011-05-11 2011-05-13 DTD 2 2 Right Shoulder Inflammation Bothered Since Spring Training and Had Numbness -
2011-03-12 2011-03-17 Camp 5 0 Back Cartilage Injury Degenerative Disc Disease -
2011-03-03 2011-03-06 Camp 3 0 Left Groin Soreness -
2010-08-15 2010-08-16 DTD 1 1 Right Knee Soreness -
2010-08-10 2010-08-13 DTD 3 2 Right Knee Soreness -
2010-06-27 2010-07-15 15-DL 18 13 Thumb Sprain -
2010-05-22 2010-05-22 DTD 0 0 Left Thumb Soreness -
2010-05-09 2010-05-11 DTD 2 2 Groin Strain -
2010-05-05 2010-05-05 DTD 0 0 Right Groin Strain -
2010-03-28 2010-03-31 Camp 3 0 Left Lower Leg Inflammation Shin Splints -
2010-03-10 2010-03-11 Camp 1 0 Upper Back Soreness -
2009-10-18 2009-11-01 WIN 14 0 Hip Strain Gluteal Muscles -
2009-05-27 2009-06-17 Minors 21 0 Hip Strain Hip Flexor -

Compensation

Year Team Salary
2024 LAN $9,000,000
2023 CHN $22,000,000
2023 LAN $
2022 CHN $22,000,000
2021 CHN $21,000,000
2020 CHN $21,000,000
2019 CHN $20,000,000
2018 CHN $28,166,667
2017 CHN $28,166,667
2016 CHN $21,666,666
2015 SLN $8,300,000
2014 ATL $5,000,000
2013 ATL $3,650,000
2012 ATL $565,000
2011 ATL $496,500
2010 ATL $400,000
YearsDescriptionSalary
14 yrPrevious$202,411,500
2019Current$9,000,000
15 yrPvs + Cur$211,411,500
15 yrTotal$211,411,500

 

Service TimeAgentContract Status
14 y 0 dExcel1 year/$9M (2024)

Details
  • 1 year/$9M (2024). Re-signed by LA Dodgers as a free agent 11/28/23.
  • 1 year (2023). Signed by LA Dodgers as a free agent 12/8/22 (minor-league contract). Dodgers to pay pro-rated Major League minimum salary.
  • 8 years/$184M (2016-23). Signed by Chicago Cubs as a free agent 12/15/15. $20M signing bonus (paid in four $5M installments, each April 1, 2024-27). 16:$15M, 17:$21.5M, 18:$21.5M, 19:$20M, 20:$21M, 21:$21M, 22:$22M, 23:$22M. Deferrals reduce contract's present day value to $177,633,616 (MLB calculation) or $179,885,452 (MLBPA calculation). Heyward may opt out of contract after 2018 season or after 2019 season with 550 plate appearances in 2019. Full no-trade protection for 2016-18, may block deals to 12 clubs in 2019-20, may block all deals after 2020 season as 10-and-5 player. Released by Chicago Cubs 11/14/22.
  • 2 years/$13.3M (2014-15). Signed extension with Atlanta 2/4/14 (avoided arbitration, $5.5M-$5.2M). $1M signing bonus, paid in equal installments 5/1/14 and 7/1/14. 14:$4.5M, 15:$7.8M. 2015 salary may increase based on points earned for 2014 performance or awards, with a $0.5M increase for 20 points and $25,000 increases for each 1 point earned thereafter. Earns 10 points each for 502 plate appearances, All-Star selection, Gold Glove, Silver Slugger or finishing 11-20th in MVP vote. 15 points for finishing 6-10 in MVP vote. 25 points for 3-5 in MVP vote. 35 points for 1-2 in MVP vote. Acquired by St. Louis in trade from Atlanta 11/17/14.
  • 1 year/$3.65M (2013). Re-signed by Atlanta 1/18/13 (avoided arbitration).
  • 1 year/$565,000 (2012). Re-signed by Atlanta 3/2/12.
  • 1 year/$496,500 (2011). Re-signed by Atlanta 2/21/11.
  • 1 year/$400,000 (2010). Contract purchased by Atlanta 4/3/10.
  • Drafted by Atlanta 2007 (1-14) (Henry County HS, Ga.). Signed 8/12/07. $1.7M signing bonus.

2019 Preseason Forecast

Last Update: 1/27/2017 12:35 ET

PCT PA R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG DRC+ VORP FRAA WARP
90o 52 12 2 0 1 5 7 1 0 .255 .340 .362 107 0.0 CF 0, 0.0
80o 34 9 2 0 1 3 5 0 0 .290 .353 .452 100 0.0 CF 0, 0.0
70o 22 5 1 0 0 2 3 0 0 .250 .318 .300 96 0.0 CF 0, 0.0
60o 11 2 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 .200 .273 .200 91 0.0 CF 0, 0.0
50o 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000 .000 87 0.0 CF 0, 0.0
Weighted Mean410000100.333.333.333880.0CF 0,0.0

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BP Annual Player Comments

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BP Articles

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BP Chats

DateQuestionAnswer
2017-08-31 13:00:00 (link to chat)What's the deal with Jason Heyward (and airline food)? Is he just completely broken? Is there a chance he'll opt out of his contract at some point, or are the Cubs on the hook with an astonishingly poor hitter until 2112?
(Joel from Chicago)
I think he can continue to recover from the catastrophe of 2016. He's going to be power limited, and he's going to be a Cub for six more seasons. Given his defense and the singles and walks I expect him to get back, though, I think Cubs fans should be fine with that. (Matthew Trueblood)
2017-04-28 13:30:00 (link to chat)Is Jason Heyward' performance to this point sustainable?
(Jslip1 from Pennsylvania)
Yeah, sure. It's not far off of his performance with the Cardinals minus some slugging. His exit velo seems to be on an upward trend, but he's not really elevating the ball, which is going to be an issue if he wants to hit for power. (Craig Goldstein)
2016-06-21 20:00:00 (link to chat)would you trade Jason Heyward for Derek Fisher and Khris Davis in dynasty?
(Kenji Johjima from seattle)
No. Not a huge fan of Khris Davis for 2017 and beyond. (Scooter Hotz)
2016-05-16 23:00:00 (link to chat)Are Justin Upton and/or Jason Heyward top 30 OFers the rest of the season?
(Truganini from Co)
Upton's track record is just too long and consistent (and full of streaky offensive performance) for me to expect anything less than that ultimate level for him. Heyward I still have absolutely no idea what to make of re: fantasy value. He's shown about 4 different profiles as a hitter, and while true talent probably suggests he's somewhere around that range as a solid 5 category guy (average AVG, 12-15 HR, 20 SB, lotta Runs, some RBI) I don't have as much confidence in him producing fantasy numbers at that level as I do Upton. (Wilson Karaman)
2016-05-17 14:00:00 (link to chat)Is Jason Heyward a good comp for Nick Williams ?
(Ernie from Philly)
Williams is probably going to strike out more than Heyward, and it's tough to say anyone will be as impressive in the field as him. Williams is an absolute toolshed on offense though, so he's absolutely interesting as hell and may hit more dingers per year than Heyward. He's got the potential to do a lot of things, we'll just have to see which of them he actually does. I like him a lot. (Nicolas Stellini)
2016-05-12 13:00:00 (link to chat)Would you trade Albies and Vogelbach for Jason Heyward in a dynasty? Trying to win now but willing to pay a bit of a premium for younger guys like Heyward.
(Jake from Kalamazoo)
I still don't believe Vogelbach is an everyday big league player so you bet your bippy I would be willing to. (Christopher Crawford)
2016-05-18 19:00:00 (link to chat)Justin Upton or Jason Heyward rest of season OBP league.
(Truganini from Here)
In an OBP league it's Heyward and it's not close for me. I'll be honest, I know there's a segment of the fantasy industry that thinks Upton turns it around, but I've watched the last two weeks or so of his plate appearances and I don't see it right now. He's getting pitches to hit and just missing the vast majority of them. The strikeouts are a huge concern. (George Bissell)
2016-05-04 13:00:00 (link to chat)What would your plan have been for the Braves after 2014?
(Billy Bong Thornton from Skokie, IL)
Stay the course, spend smart money to shore up the Braves' fairly weak starting rotation, and try to extend Jason Heyward. That Heyward/Freeman/Simmons/Upton/Gattis/Teheran/Kimbrel unit they had in place was something. Shame they blew it up before they needed to. (Matthew Trueblood)
2016-04-21 19:00:00 (link to chat)It's still April, but a number of top 50 players have gotten off to particularly cold starts: Carlos Gomez, Adam Jones, Tulo, Votto, Freddie Freeman, Jason Heyward. Should we adjust our expectations for the rest of the season on any of these guys or just write it off to a small sample size in some cold weather?
(Truganini from CO)
I talked about this in an article last week, but most of this is due to small sample size. Jones' health concerns me a little bit: not because he's seriously hurt, but because he was banged up a lot last year and this tends to start repeating for players his age. Freeman worries me; I wonder if maybe there's a more serious injury lurking and the Braves would shut him down in July if they're out of contention. Heyward is a notorious slow starter. He should be fine. (Mike Gianella)
2016-02-23 13:00:00 (link to chat)Does Jason Heyward have any more left in the tank or can we quit dreaming about more 25+ home run seasons?
(Daniel from Florida)
Jason Heyward has huge remaining upside. Left-handed hitters take longer to grow into themselves in the Majors than righties do. Heyward has only ever played in homer-dampening parks. John Mallee's a good hitting coach for drawing out power potential. He could still hit 30, for sure. (Matthew Trueblood)
2016-02-23 13:00:00 (link to chat)Do the Cubs still sign Jason Heyward if Dexter Fowler took the QO?
(mdlehrman from Chicago)
Good question. I don't know. I know it wouldn't have ruled it out for them. (Matthew Trueblood)
2015-12-08 13:00:00 (link to chat)I've heard Jason Heyward puts ketchup on hot dogs so he'd be a horrible fit in Chicago, right?
(alcrisafulli from Washington, DC)
Jesus. And in the rest of the civilized god-damned world. Send him to Minnesota; they put that shit on everything. (Matthew Trueblood)
2015-12-11 13:00:00 (link to chat)What is a fair deal, in your opinion, for Jayson Heyward? We may find out pretty soon, but your take. Assume he has an opt-out in year 4 or 5, and some no-trade protection.
(Zonk from Chicago)
I have no problem paying Jason Heyward gobs of money, I've always been a big fan of his package of skills and I like seeing him explode old timey heads with talk of $200 million deals. Wouldn't bat an eye if he got that over 8-9 years. (Wilson Karaman)
2015-10-19 19:00:00 (link to chat)Hey Mike -- do me a favor and pick one FA OF for next year -- Alex Gordon, Yoenis Cespedes, Justin Upton, or Jason Heyward.
(bgrosnick from Ann Arbor, MI)
Upton though they're all really close. (Tout Wars Champ Mike Gianella)
2015-10-22 14:00:00 (link to chat)Regardless of what happens the rest of this series, tough to be disappointed by '15 CHC campaign. What optimizations, in terms of diversifying lineup & improving D, do you see front office making? Adding SP is a no-brainer.
(Matt from Chicago)
This is going to be a capital-F Fun winter for the Cubs and Cubs fans. The defining characteristic of the organization right now is modularity. You can rearrange three dozen pieces into a thousand different set-ups for next season. With their prospect depth, the young guys established on the big-league team and the questions surrounding them, things could break so many different ways. I'll note a couple things I think are inevitable:
1. Dexter Fowler will be given the qualifying offer, and then the Cubs will very politely stop taking his calls. He was great for them, an absolutely perfect fit that catalyzed their season before it even began, but now they need other things in center field. Namely, they need a defensive anchor, someone who can shore up the outfield defense even if the team decides to go into next season with the big bats of Schwarber and Soler in the corners.
2. There will be some consolidation of multiple useful assets into a single, closer to elite one. The model I'm using in my head is the Cardinals' trade for Jason Heyward last November. They had a good player (Shelby Miller) for whom they no longer had room, and a really valuable pop-up pitching prospect (Tyrell Jenkins) who was due to land on the 40-man roster or be made available in the Rule 5 Draft, but whom they couldn't squeeze onto their own 40-man. For future reference, the Cubs' most notable Jenkins types-not only in that they will need to go onto the 40-man roster this year, but in that the Cubs will have a hard time keeping them-for this winter are Jeimer Candelario and Dan Vogelbach. The thing they need to look for in their trade target is well-roundedness. (Matthew Trueblood)
2015-08-13 20:00:00 (link to chat)Greg, in a points league would you rather have Jason Heyward ($12) and Jesse Winker ($1) for Rusney Castillo ($4), Matt Shoemaker ($1), and Hyun-Jin Ryu ($2)? I am looking for some long term OF help.
(Matthew from Twin Cities)
Heyward and Winker and it's not even close (Greg Wellemeyer)
2015-07-23 17:00:00 (link to chat)If you were the Cubs who would you target in free agency? Also at the end of the season --barring injury-- who do you see playing 2nd and SS for the Cubs? Thanks.
(Ryan Rust from Edmond, Oklahoma )
If Kyle Schwarber moves to left field as many expect, it doesn't seem like they have a lot of holes. Dexter Fowler is a free agent so they'll need a center fielder. My guess is that the Cubs bring in someone on a one or two-year deal to fill that as opposed to a big time acquisition like Jason Heyward and then bring in an arm to try to help on the back end of the rotation.

If I had to guess, it's going to be Javier Baez and Addison Russell up the middle. Starlin Castro gets traded this winter.

It's fun guessing when I have zero inside information as to what really will happen. (Mike Gianella)
2015-07-06 13:00:00 (link to chat)Seems like STL could use Piscotty soon. Could you give us one or two MLB comps for the type of offensive profile Piscotty might have?
(Jeff from STL)
He'd already be in the majors in most orgs. It's an ave-based, moderate power profile in RF, but he's going to be a good defender there. It might not be all that different than Jason Heyward, to be honest. (Jeff Moore)
2015-06-10 14:00:00 (link to chat)Is there anything that Jason Heyward is doing that gives you confidence that he will perform towards anywhere near the expectations of him?
(Silverback38 from VA)
It totally depends on the expectations. They got totally out of whack after his strong 2012 season. Often, we assume that all young players *will* and *must* improve. We get caught assuming the development curve is a certainty, rather than a general rule. Heyward has seen his skills decline. He should be judged on his current skill set, not what we assumed he would be because he flourished in 2012. I can understand why fantasy owners would hold out hope that he turns the corner. I'm just not going to be the one investing in it. (J.P. Breen)
2015-06-10 14:00:00 (link to chat)Any idea what might be up with Jason Heyward? This year is his age 25 season and his worst. Seasons by OPS, highest first: 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2011, 2015.
(Nick Rizzo from Brooklyn, NY)
Absolutely. You can't hit for power if you can't get the baseball off the ground. His 56.7 percent ground-ball rate is the highest of his career, and he's coupling it with a 13.5 percent infield-fly rate. That's a whole lotta weak contact and very few opportunities to hit for power. (J.P. Breen)
2015-06-02 18:00:00 (link to chat)You and Mike Matheny switch roles, so that you fill out the major-league roster (and he does commentary, if anyone notices). Who gets the playing time with that crowded outfield situation? Holliday is obviously near 100%, but how do you apportion the rest between Jon Jay, Jason Heyward, Peter Bourjos and Randal Grichuk?
(Bill from New Mexico)
I'm completely compromised when it comes to Peter Bourjos. I'd go Grichuck, Bourjos and Heyward LF/CF/RF with Jay filling in the corners and never ever setting foot in center again. (Mauricio Rubio)
2015-05-13 13:00:00 (link to chat)In my Yahoo league I am building for next year and thereafter. My roster is Russell Martin, Kendrys Morales, Josh Harrison, Brock Holt, Brett Gardner, Dexter Fowler, Gregory Polanco, Coco Crisp, Carlos Ruiz, Travis Snider, Kyle (and Corey) Seager, Jason Heyward, Carlos Correa, Desmond Jennings, Javier Baez, Matt Harvey, Carlos Martinez, Jimmy Nelson, Edinson Volquez, Jonathan Paplebon, Chris Heston, Noah Syndergaard, Lucas Giolito, Julio Urias, Jose Berrios, Matt Cain and Sean Doolittle. 8 keepers allowed. Comments? Suggestions?
(TimLandry from Montreal Quebec Canada)
Keep Matt Harvey eight times. (Christopher Crawford)
2015-01-12 13:00:00 (link to chat)How much does the move to St. Louis affect Jason Heyward? Also, where do you see him batting in that lineup?
(lionsfan1180 from (PA))
I would think improvement from Heyward would be the result of him aging towards his peak. Turner Field is a more homer friendly park than Busch Stadium, but Heyward is such a talent that it shouldn't be enough to hold him back. I like him a lot this season. As for the lineup, not sure about that. I can see hitting him second, but that's just a guess. (Matthew Kory)
2014-11-04 18:00:00 (link to chat)Jason Heyward isn't a prospect, but his youth and ever-changing approach at the plate make him seem like he could still evolve like a prospect. Any thoughts on whether he'll ever be the power hitter people thought he would be?
(RTG from DC)
I'm still fascinated by Heyward, and I'm still a giant sucker for what he can provide over the long term. The power is in there and every so often you really get to see the ball just explode off his bat. I still think the power is going to play in the form of 15-20 home runs and a ton of doubles, to go along with a solid average and good OBP skills....that's a monster player if it clicks, and with his youth, I'm still holding out hope for quite a while. (Mark Anderson)
2014-10-09 15:00:00 (link to chat)do you see another step forward for Mazara? could he leap into top 50 prospect lists by midseason?
(Ed from C-Falls)
I think he's in the conversation right now. It's a very nice profile, and while I think the Jason Heyward comps (outside of body ones) are a bit premature, he's got a very nice skillset. I think he's got a solid average major league floor, with the chance to be quite a bit more. (Jordan Gorosh)
2014-09-15 19:30:00 (link to chat)If Jason Heyward was an alcoholic drink, what kind of drink would he be? Also, same question but for both Chris Young the pitcher and Chris Young the outfielder.
(Redacted from Redacted, RD)
Heyward would be a scotch and ginger. Not flashy and not everything you'd have hoped for in a drink, but also never a bad choice. Chris Young the outfielder would be house tequila because it's usually a bad choice, but can sometimes lead to fun. Chris Young the pitcher would be mid-grade warm white wine. (Ben Carsley)
2014-08-21 13:00:00 (link to chat)Do you see any further evolution in Jason Heyward's game? Is he merely a good OBP + good D guy? Still see some upside there....
(Matt from Chicago)
I don't imagine much of that power will show up. Considering his back is always barking, I think we're not going to see much more. His range will start to decline, so he may fade quicker than you think. (Harry Pavlidis)
2014-08-15 14:00:00 (link to chat)Will the Red Sox' offseason this year resemble their "rebuilding" 2012-2013 offseason or is this a different situation?
(Allen from San Diego)
If I had to compare the coming off-season to any in recent memory it might be 2010. That was the year they signed Carl Crawford and traded for and extended the contract of Adrian Gonzalez. There are going to be some big moves this off-season by the Red Sox and they've got the farm system to make some huge trades (we keep hearing about Giancarlo Stanton but I think Jason Heyward is a possibility too) and a big free agent signing or two. They have payroll flexibility and the need for star power at the major league level. This is going to be a big move winter for Boston. They love the World Series win (obviously) but they want to build a consistent winner and when this season is done they is a good chance they'll have finished in last place two out of the last three seasons. (Matthew Kory)
2014-07-24 19:00:00 (link to chat)With all the hype around Byron Buxton, what are the chances he actually reaches his ceiling? We are still waiting for guys like Jason Heyward and Justin Upton to reach theirs (I know they're still young).
(Shawnykid23 from CT)
extraordinarily low because his ceiling is extraordinarily high. I was talking about this with J.P. Breen last night on the way home from Kane County, just because a player doesn't reach lofty heights doesn't make him worthless or a bust. His ceiling allows for a lot of value even if he falls short. If he's 80% of Willie Mays that's still incredibly valuable. (Mauricio Rubio)
2014-07-24 19:00:00 (link to chat)In a dynasty league would you give up any of Yoenis Cespedes, Jason Heyward, or Evan Longoria for Oscar Taveras?
(Shawn from Ballpark)
I would consider Longoria and Cespedes. I'm waiting out Heyward's long term prospects as I think he can be more valuable than Taveras over his career. (Mauricio Rubio)
2014-05-29 19:30:00 (link to chat)10-team re-draft: GIVE Jose Reyes and Jason Heyward to GET Starlin Castro and Nelson Cruz?
(Mike from Newtown)
I PREFER Castro and Cruz in a redraft, as much as I loveeee Heyward. (Ben Carsley)
2014-05-29 19:30:00 (link to chat)Who wins this trade in a dynasty: Jason Heyward & Tyson Ross OR Cole Hamels, Starling Marte, Nick Williams, and Nick Kingham?
(Dynasty Trade from Tradeville USA)
I think Ross is poop so give me the second side. Nick Williams might not know left from right field but he can hit. (Ben Carsley)
2014-06-17 20:00:00 (link to chat)Who is the player you find yourself overvaluing (or just ending up with on your team) more than others?
(Kel from Goodburger)
Is it too cliche to say Adam Dunn? We went around the table on this one and here's what we got: Ben: "I have a soft spot for Evan Longoria that results in what we have come to call irrational affection." Ian: "In general, I'll overvalue prospects relative to my colleagues, or possibly sanity, would dictate. In particular, I'll remember prospect value even after the majors has gotten in the way, so I'll be one of the last off the Jason Heyward train, for example." Jared: "I tend to have a special fondness for guys who can mash the ball, without stopping to think too much about whether they can get on base. Like, say, Khris Davis. Or Chris Davis. Or any other variant thereof." Ben adds: "...like Mark Trumbo!" (Scoresheet Chat with Ben, Jared, and Ian)
2014-05-19 13:00:00 (link to chat)Do you see the Cubs trading for a guy like Carlos Gonzalez, Jason Heyward or Giancarlo Stanton in the off-season??
(Tommy from Chicago)
I could definitely see this being the year of loading up. They've been playing better lately and there's more coming from the farm. That said, I still think they'll be going for pitching given their hitting-heavy farm system. (Zachary Levine)
2014-05-19 13:00:00 (link to chat)Any idea what's wrong with Jason Heyward? And for that matter ... what's been wrong with him now for two years?
(Brian from New York (NY))
No clue. He's been the hardest player for me to figure out in the majors really the last four years. (Colby Rasmus being the runner-up). I always assume he could be hurt, but if not, I have no idea where the power went. (Zachary Levine)
2014-05-07 17:00:00 (link to chat)What are you views on Heyward? 12 team roto dynasty standard 5x5, would you move him and Bailey for Donaldson? What level of player would you want included on the Donaldson side? Already have Lawrie and ARam on the roster. Would try to move Lawrie for some SV's help. Would fill in Heyward's spot with Moss against RHPs and when Moss faces LHPs Revere.
(Geronimo from Big City Crush)
I'm not as high on Jason Heyward as others, but I think that he's a solid outfielder with mid $20s earning potential. With that in mind, I'd pass on Heyward and Homer Bailey for Josh Donaldson. Donaldson might be a little bit better than he was last year but it seems that you're selling low on Bailey. In a two-for-one, I'd want at least a third-tier pitcher back to make that deal.

Sure, you can move Brett Lawrie for a closer. I'd try for right below the elite (Greg Holland/Craig Kimbrel) level. (Mike Gianella)
2014-04-17 12:00:00 (link to chat)Dynasty: Baez + Pence for Stanton+ Bundy... fair?
(Shaun from Detroit)
It sounds fair, but depends on the rules of your league, too. Where do your points come from? I'll say this though, I just traded Jason Heyward for Stanton (with some other players switching sides) in my dynasty league, so I'm all in favor of acquiring Stanton. Especially if you get points for home run length, which I don't, but which I should and so should you. (Matthew Kory)
2014-04-17 12:00:00 (link to chat)Matt, will Jason Heyward ever put it all together? Still only 24, but it feels like I've been owning this guy in my dynasty forever. Patience or cut bait once a sell high opportunity opens up?
(James from Wisconsin)
As I said, I just traded him for Stanton, so I'd rather have Stanton. But Heyward is a guy who might not translate well to fantasy. Much of his value comes from defense. That said, 24 years old isn't old by an stretch. There are highly thought of prospects who are just breaking into the majors at that age, and Heyward is getting knocked for not posting another 6 win season. I like him, but I'm not sure he's a superstar. Act accordingly. (Matthew Kory)
2014-03-14 09:00:00 (link to chat)Is this the year Jason Heyward makes some MVP noise? Top-5 OF in fantasy?
(RatedRookie from Atlanta)
He certainly could given that he's a talented player and projections are always bound to be wrong, but that's a reach for him for me. I see more of a $25 player, not a $30+ one. (Mike Gianella)
2014-02-20 13:00:00 (link to chat)If Justin Upton and Jason Heyward do more of the same this year, are you moving on from either, one, both in keeper leagues?
(Rob from Philly)
I love both, still. (Paul Sporer)
2014-02-13 13:00:00 (link to chat)Are you on that Jason Heyward bounce back bandwagon or not?
(Brian from Orlando)
It's kind of funny that Heyward had a respectable season as a 23-year-old and we're talking about him bouncing back. I would guess he has a better season this year, if only because I doubt he gets hit in the face with another baseball. (R.J. Anderson)
2014-01-29 19:00:00 (link to chat)Better bet for 2014 and beyond. Wil Myers or Jason Heyward?
(DServi4 from Maryland )
They're both excellent. Give me Heyward. I think he'll run more and I don't think we've seen the most of what he has to offer yet. (Ben Carsley)
2014-02-03 13:00:00 (link to chat)If I am selling Wacha($1) in a Dynasty league($70 cap with yearly $1 increment salary), who kind of hitter would you be asking for? I can aim higher than Jason Heyward($5), right?
(Businessman from St. Louis)
You certainly can but I think Heyward will provide a valuable season next year. I don't think that's an insulting offer but always see if you can do better. (Mauricio Rubio)
2013-06-11 14:00:00 (link to chat)Name one player who has started slow who you expect to have a much better 2nd half?
(Jordan from KC)
This isn't an entirely fair choice, because he dealt with an injury and is already turning the corner, but Jason Heyward was the name that jumped to my mind. Heyward is 14-for-37 with three homers so far in June, and I'd expect much more of that if he can stay healthy the rest of the way. (Daniel Rathman)
2013-05-22 18:00:00 (link to chat)How likely is Jason Heyward to outperform Justin Upton ROS?
(dan11995 from ATL)
slightly unlikely (Jason Collette)
2013-03-12 13:00:00 (link to chat)J. Upton, Bryce Harper, or Jason Heyward for 2013? They are all risky guys with huge upside.
(Gila Monster from Massachusetts)
I don't think Upton is all that risky. His 2012 was considered a "bad" year, if that's your downside, sign me up ALL day! He didn't meet expectations obviously, but he still played 150 games and produced. For the record, I like all three OFs. (Paul Sporer)
2013-02-27 20:00:00 (link to chat)Could you rank these guys: Justin Upton, Jason Heyward, Bryce Harper
(SecondHandStore from Under a bunch of snow)
I'd go Heyward, Upton, and Harper though they're really close and I could see flipping the rankings in any direction. (Mike Gianella)
2013-02-27 20:00:00 (link to chat)What do you thing about a Carlos Gonzalez/Alex Gordon for Jason Heyward trade in a 6x6 league? (AVG, R, HR, RBI, SB, OPS)
(Chris from California)
That seems like way too much to give up. (Mike Gianella)
2013-03-08 13:00:00 (link to chat)Jason Heyward will be a top ___ outfielder this year. What numbers do you expect from him?
(Ryan from Nevada)
Ryan, I have no idea but I'll say top 20. Maybe higher? PECOTA has Heyward at .259/.347/.447 with 21 HR, but I can easily envision him beating the SLG and HR projections by plenty. (Geoff Young)
2013-02-12 13:00:00 (link to chat)Will the real Jason Heyward please stand up? Which Jason Heyward can we expect this year? Can he consistently hit 30 homers and steal 20 bases? Thanks, Matt!
(Corey from Chicago)
Heyward is tough for two reasons. First his age. He'll be 23 this year so he's still young on the aging curve. He should have some progress left to make, but on the other hand, he's had two seasons that have been pretty similar and bookended his mediocre 2011. I think there's still growth potential there, but his numbers are going to be held back by left-handed pitchers until he figures out that riddle.

The song playing at this coffee shop has the following refrain: "Somebody put something in my drink." So that's weird. (Matthew Kory)
2012-12-27 13:00:00 (link to chat)Thanks Russell. How likely Jason Heyward really breaks out in 2013, something with an OPS over .900?
(Keith from Manchester, CT)
I live in Atlanta, so I'm obligated to say yes. Heyward is 23. The tools are there. He had a bad year in 2011, but came back up to level in 2012. I'm bullish. (Russell Carleton)
2012-06-12 13:00:00 (link to chat)Are the odds now tilted in Giancarlo Stanton's favor that he will have a better career than Jason Heyward?
(Paul from DC)
Oh, definitely. The odds are that Stanton is a better hitter, now, at 22, than Heyward will ever be. (Sam Miller)
2012-04-13 13:00:00 (link to chat)After an extremely disappointing 2011, what are the odds now that Jason Heyward will have a better career than Giancarlo Stanton?
(Paul from DC)
You're talking about two guys who are in their age 22 seasons. Heyward had a rough age 21 due to injuries, but he's certainly young enough to bounce back. Meanwhile, Stanton's collecting his share of injuries - he's got some persistent knee issues which could bother him all year. I'd bet that Stanton winds up with more career homers, but it's still about 50/50 as to which player will have the better career. (Jay Jaffe)
2012-04-04 13:00:00 (link to chat)What the hell is going on with Jason Heyward?
(Silv from NY, NY)
I wish I knew. I keep waiting for the next step forward and I keep getting another step back. Frustrating. (Jason Parks)
2012-03-26 13:00:00 (link to chat)Who do you think will be the biggest bust this year, hitter and pitcher?
(dangor from New York)
Hard to top 2011 Jason Heyward for surprises, but I'll say Neftali Feliz as a pitcher. Jose Reyes as a hitter. (Sam Miller)
2012-01-20 14:00:00 (link to chat)Are you out on Jason Heyward? What are his chances of being a star at this point?
(Dees from Jersey)
He's 22 and immensely talented. I'm anything but out, but he does need to make adjustments. (Kevin Goldstein)
2012-01-24 13:00:00 (link to chat)Breakout fantasy player and breakout fantasy pitcher of the year? Who you got?
(yankeesbg13 from Indianapolis)
That's a tough question. I don't know how to narrow it down to the best of each at this point of the off-season, but here are two that I like:

Jason Heyward has what it takes to propel himself to that next level, to throw himself in with the Jay Bruces and Hunter Pences.

I see Brandon Morrow finally putting it all together this year and propelling himself into the next tier of pitchers with guys like Shields, Kennedy, and Latos. (Derek Carty)
2011-12-20 13:00:00 (link to chat)What do you see next season for Jason Heyward? Is he in trouble in his development?
(rrydelek from Md.)
I think he'll be something like the third-best player on the Braves. (Sam Miller)
2011-08-26 16:00:00 (link to chat)I'm a huge Braves fan, but I'm frustrated as to why we never spend big money in the draft, like other teams. Is there a reason for that?
(Zack from El Paso)
Spending big money doesn't mean you are going to be successful. We are proud of the players we drafted and feel like they will be able to help us accomplish our goal of winning another World Series for the city of Atlanta.

In the win on Tuesday night 23-year old Mike Minor got the win, 23-year old Craig Kimbrel got the save, and 22-year old Jason Heyward hit a grand slam. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, since MLB adopted the save rule in 1969, it was the first tim that three teammates 23 years of age or younger had earned a win, notched a save, and hit a grand slam in the same game. All three of those players were signed at or very near to slot recommendations. (John Coppolella)
2011-08-26 16:00:00 (link to chat)How concerned are you about Heyward's big-league performance to date? What are your expectations for him in 2012?
(GBSimons from Boise, ID)
Baseball is a really tough game. I know I was so bad at playing baseball I got cut from my high school team. Jason Heyward is incredibly talented and having a tough year. Look across the locker room and you see Dan Uggla who was hitting .173 on July 4th before catching fire. People forget Heyward is 22 years old and he's playing an incredibly difficult game. My expectations are that his talent will shine through and he will be a huge part of the Braves present and future. (John Coppolella)
2011-08-10 13:00:00 (link to chat)Jason, enjoy your writing and the podcast. How does Josh Bell compare to Jason Heyward and Mike Stanton when they graduated high school?
(jsdspud from My Desk)
Bell is a nice prospect, but his status as a monster prospect has been overblown. I've seen several 6s attached to his bat, and even his defense was given a good grade by a few sources, but Stanton has elite power; power that can kill small children. Heyward is a much better all-around hitter than Bell, at least as far as the scouting reports indicate, which is very conceptual at this point. We don't know what kind of player Bell is going to become because Bell has indicated he wants to go to school. That said, no way he would cost $11M+ like some national outlets have suggested. No chance in hell. If he signs, and again, I'm not saying he will, but I'd say you can cut the aforementioned number in half. (Jason Parks)
2011-06-20 14:00:00 (link to chat)With all the hitting coaches being fired, when will Larry Parrish be shown the door by the Braves? He's taken one of the best offenses from last season, had Melky Cabrera withdrawn and Dan Uggla added, and has turned them into one of the worst this season.
(Nick Carter from London)
It's never clear how much impact a hitting or pitching coach can have on a team, so it's very tough to lay their problems at the feet of one, not that they don't as a means of scapegoating somebody when things get rough. Did Parrish tell Uggla to start swinging with his eyes closed? Did he trade Yunel Escobar for the hacktastic Alex Gonzalez? Did he drive Nate McLouth's career off a cliff? Cause Jason Heyward's injury woes? Force anyone to play Jordan Schafer?

The bottom line is that I'm very skeptical the Braves' offensive woes owe much to Parrish, though I suspect they'll make an example of him anyway if their fortunes don't turn. (Jay Jaffe)
2011-06-09 13:00:00 (link to chat)What's the deal with the Braves lately? 7 of their last 10 games have been one run affairs. The offense sucks, and the pitching's been good. Is this kind of high-wire act what we should expect going forward until one of those two things changes?
(Matt A from Raleigh)
They weren't set up to be a great offense in the first place, and with the injury to Jason Heyward and that utter catastrophe we call Dan Uggla, that's two pieces of the offense that were expected to contribute that haven't been able to. No wonder Chipper Jones is pushing Heyward to return. In an ideal world, they could get Martin Prado (also dinged up) back to the infield to sit Uggla, but they just don't have the depth of outfielders to do that. ...Not sure if it's so good that three Braves are among the leaders in games pitched, including Kimbrel at #3. (Steven Goldman)
2011-06-02 13:00:00 (link to chat)Welcome to BP! Would really love to hear more about how you got into Scout School and some tales of how it went. Could you possibly write an article on this?
(SaberTJ from Cleveland, OH)
Thanks! I'm very excited to be here. Unfortunately, if I recall correctly, they didn't want me to write too much about the inner workings of the program, so an article would probably be out of the question. I can tell you that I remember Billy Hamilton (Reds), Francisco Peguero (Giants), and Chris Withrow (Dodgers) being some of the more impressive guys I saw and thinking all three could be legit big-leaguers. I was kind of unimpressed with the small sample I saw of Randal Grichuk. Also, on the last day, there were some Arizona Fall Leaguers taking BP on the field across from where we were, and I remember watching Jason Heyward and thinking that he had awesome bat speed. At this point I don't need to tell you that Heyward is good, but given his slow (potentially injury-compromised) start to 2011 and now his DL stint, he might be a good guy to inquire on in fantasy leagues. (Derek Carty)
2011-05-09 13:00:00 (link to chat)Does Jason Heyward have the chops to be a .290-30-110 Hitter or are we all caught up in the hype of a good player, not great player?
(Alex from Chicago)
You are caught up in the hype of ridiculous expectations. I'll take the over on that line. You realize his age 27 season is in 2017, right? Is it me, or are fans less patient than ever? (Kevin Goldstein)
2011-04-13 13:00:00 (link to chat)Jason Heyward or Mike Trout for better long-term success?
(dianagramr from NYC)
Trout. I'm in love with him. (Jason Parks)
2011-03-08 14:00:00 (link to chat)How do you see Jason Heyward's season going? Is he a Top 72 player i.e. worth a 6th round pick or better?
(deepblue64 from Scotland)
He clearly has the skills to make that worthwhile, but that might be a little on the high side for my tastes until we see it. My current rankings that I'm using to prep for my drafts are still overvaluing SP's (hey, I'm still working on it) but even with that fixed top 70 is a little marginal in my opinion. (Cory Schwartz)
2011-02-14 13:00:00 (link to chat)Jason Heyward, Mike Stanton and Starlin Castro all played last year at age 20. Has there ever been a year when that many 20-year-olds did as well in the majors as those three? Of the players who've done that in the past, have most ended up in Cooperstown?
(Rex Little from Big Bear, CA)
Restricting our inquiry to hitters who had at least 200 PAs, last year had four: the ones you mention plus Ruben Tejada. Years with four 20 year-old hitters aren't so rare (e.g. 1976, 1970), but the only year in recent memory with MORE 20 year-old hitters is 1964. That year, Ed Kranepool, Rusty Staub, Tony Conigliaro, Derrell Griffith, Ed Kirkpatrick, and Terry Jones all played their age-20 seasons. As best I can tell, that (6) is the record. (Tommy Bennett)
2010-11-11 13:00:00 (link to chat)Jason Heyward's 2011 stat line will look like...
(Bruce from Athens)
I'll guess .275/.380/.490. Keep in mind that projection systems take a little longer to run than my brain, and there's probably a reason for that. He's got such a great swing, so I can't imagine he wouldn't start to develop power as he gets older. I'm not sure his average is getting much higher unless he cuts down on strikeouts though. (Matt Swartz)
2010-09-30 13:00:00 (link to chat)At a Nats-Braves game last Friday and had the rare privilege of having a couple fellow Saber-savvy fans in the rows near by. We all acknowledged Heyward has a great future, but got into a debate that if Zimmerman had been playing that night, who would have been the most talented player on the field. Any thoughts?
(Paul from DC)
Zimmermann is the better player in 2010. Heyward has more talent and the greater likelihood of having the better career. Not being as good as Jason Heyward is something shy of insulting. It's like having the second-best chat at 1 p.m. on a Thursday. (Joe Sheehan)
2010-09-15 14:00:00 (link to chat)Is Jason Heyward deserving of a spot somewhere on an NL MVP ballot?
(David from CT)
Certainly somewhere, though not anywhere near the point of actually contending for the award. Though I've thrown tantrums in the past when certain players don't show up second or third on an award ballot, with Heyward we are talking about maybe the seventh or eighth spot, over which I just cannot get worked up. I flip-flop between Heyward and Posey for Rookie of the Year everyday, but I don't think Heyward is a serious MVP candidate. Hitting .275/.405/.480 is phenomenal, especially for a rookie, but as I think of the candidates, my list goes: Votto, Pujols, CarGo, A-Gonz, Halladay, and then pick a name out of the hat for the rest, as they aren't potential winners. Add in that Martin Prado and Brian McCann have been incredibly valuable to the Braves and I have a hard time really suggesting that Heyward is the main reason the Braves are where they are right now. So, to sum this up, sure, he is probably deserving of a spot somewhere, but not deserving of serious consideration for the award. (Eric Seidman)
2010-09-21 13:00:00 (link to chat)Keep 5 of 6 next year, who ya got? (OPS/QS league) Miguel Cabrera, Adrian Gonzalez, Felix Hernandez, Cliff Lee, Ryan Braun, Jason Heyward
(malmstorm from Austin TX)
Miggy, Felix, Lee, Heyward, Braun. I love Adrian Gonzalez, but Petco. Braun's numbers have a weird, one-year split I expect will disappear in 2011. (Marc Normandin)
2010-04-08 14:00:00 (link to chat)Jason Heyward seems to be so poised, mature and positive for a 20-year-old. How big a part does that play in his ranking in the top 101.
(dianagramr from NYC)
Always great to have you hear, and good seeing you at the NYC book signing. I don't think it plays a big role in his ranking (obviously, he's monster talented), but I do think it plays a big role in making one so confident that he can handle the big leagues (and more) at such a young age. Makeup really does matter. (Kevin Goldstein)
2010-04-08 14:00:00 (link to chat)Any chance Jason Heyward goes Delmon Young on us?
(EricJ from SF)
No. (Kevin Goldstein)
2010-03-26 13:00:00 (link to chat)The Braves certainly have a superstar in the making in Jason Heyward, but what can Atlanta do at the major league level not to rush him? We saw Jordan Schaefer rushed, but Heyward is clearly further along at this point.
(SprungOnSports from Long Island)
I don't think the Braves have much to worry about, Heyward is clearly ready, and he's much more advanced at 20 years old than Schafer was at 22 last year. He controls the strike zone better and has much more power.

I think the one thing the Braves should and will do is keep him a bit lower in the batting order, sixth or seventh, until he gets going, so as not to put too much pressure on him. Probably should also give him the occasional break against lefties, though his minor league splits there have been plenty acceptable. (Jay Jaffe)
2010-03-04 13:00:00 (link to chat)Please suggest some fantasy breakout rookies who few know about (like Andrew McCutcheon and Nyjer Morgan last year). Even guys who might only see a part season's worth of action. Thanks for the chat.
(erghammer from DC)
Jason Heyward! Buy now while supplies last! (Marc Normandin)
2010-03-04 13:00:00 (link to chat)How much of a 'meh' outfielder is Kubel as your third OF if the alternatives are BJ Upton, Chris B. Young, Julio Borbon, and maybe Jason Heyward if he lights the world on fire.
(Aaron from YYZ)
B.J. UPTON! There is no other choice. Upton's a four-star guy who, if he rebounds as much as I think he can, could be potentially a fiver. (Marc Normandin)
2010-03-04 13:00:00 (link to chat)Hi Marc, thanks for the chat. I can keep 2 of these 3 guys (draft round I give up in parentheses): Kemp (6th), Adam Jones (15th), Jason Heyward (16th). I'm leaning towards Jones/Heyward. Your thoughts?
(cbelford from Chicago)
Kemp in the 6th is a steal, dude's a first rounder easy. Maybe Heyward just because he's going to be hard to get back if you dump him, but I'm a huge Jones fan too. Kemp needs to be kept though. (Marc Normandin)
2010-02-17 16:00:00 (link to chat)What prospect are you aiming to take in your fantasy drafts this year?
(MarinerDan from SF)
For non-keeper leagues, I like Neftali Feliz, Jason Heyward, Buster Posey, Wade Davis, and Brian Matusz. Almost all of those guys will get good playing time. One deep sleeper I like okay is Mark Hamilton of the Cardinals. (Tommy Bennett)
2010-02-26 13:00:00 (link to chat)Do you think Jason Heyward will have a full time big league job by July?
(Steve from NJ)
Will? Not sure. Should? If he is as good as the reports say he is, yes. I'm of the opinion that elite prospects shouldn't be held back as long as many are. Buster Posey comes to mind as I type. Maybe even that right-hander in DC. (David Laurila)
2010-02-09 13:00:00 (link to chat)Would you be shocked if Jason Heyward opens the 2010 season with the Braves ?
(William from Orange Beach, Alabama)
Shocked? No. Surprised? Somewhat, given that he's got all of three games of Triple-A experience, and that there are very good reasons to game his service clock to milk an extra year prior to arbitration or free agency. Not that it will matter much in the end - if he's as good as everybody thinks - and we're talking about a guy who's considered the best hitting prospect in the game - he'll be on a Braun/Longoria type long-term deal soon enough. (Jay Jaffe)
2010-01-28 14:00:00 (link to chat)I know it's ridiculously premature to ask this type of question when he hasn't even played an inning in the bigs, but will Jason Heyward win an MVP(s) during his career?
(Bubba Brown from Roy, UT)
Sure, it's ridiculously premature, but if you're going to pick anyone to win won over the next 15 years, there are thousands of worse choices than Heyward, and how many obvious better ones? Pujols and... (Christina Kahrl)
2010-01-21 13:00:00 (link to chat)Heyward or Upton? Which player will history call the better player?
(Bubba Brown from Roy, UT)
Which Upton? I'm assuming you mean Justin, aka, Ken Griffey Jr. II. This is actually a really great question. I'm going to send it to our e-mail list now. I'm team Upton though, I'm pretty positive he's capable of being The Best Player in Baseball during his peak.

As an aside, Jason Heyward's name should be Jayson Heyward. I naturally want to type that because of the y in his last name, and I think it balances much better. Let's steal Jayson Werth's pointless y and give it to Heyward. (Marc Normandin)
2010-01-13 13:00:00 (link to chat)What are your thoughts on letting Jason Heyward win an OF spot in spring training. Chances he has a starting OF spot on opening day?
(Corey from Atlanta)
He's got the talent to win a starting job but it's a pretty big jump, even for someone with his talent. I suspect he'll start off at AAA and be up at some point during the season. (John Perrotto)
2009-11-17 14:00:00 (link to chat)Thanks for the chat! I imagine Jason Heyward will be fairly high on the Braves Top 11 list. Does he have a better-than-average chance of being Atlanta's opening day RF?
(cbelford from Chicago)
I could see Heyward having, for lack of a better team, a Tommy Hanson-esque 2010, where even though he maybe SHOULD be there Opening Day, he starts at Triple-A and is in the bigs by the end of May. (Kevin Goldstein)
2009-10-13 14:00:00 (link to chat)What do you think the Braves should be doing this off-season? Thoughts on Jason Heyward being given the reins for CF, if he has a good ST?
(Perry from Atlanta)
The speculation has been they'll shop a starter, which makes sense to me, given that they control Hudson for 2010 if they so choose, but Vazquez for only that long as well. Trading Lowe would be strange, having only just added him, but it might also yield the best value. The real question is what they go for--Heyward's going to be in right, not center, and they can always consider shunting McLouth to left if they trade for a center fielder. Dealing Vazquez for a one-year rental of a big-time bat for left field could work, with McLouth handling center and 2011's center-field chores going to Jordan Schafer after he regroups from a derailed 2009. (Christina Kahrl)
2009-09-17 14:00:00 (link to chat)You don't know how you could take Heyward over Strasburg? Heyward's a bat, for one.
(David from Winston Salem)
I agree totally. Jason Heyward is a MUCH better hitter than Strasburg. (Kevin Goldstein)
2009-08-26 13:00:00 (link to chat)Hi Shawn, thanks for the chat. Does Jason Heyward get a cup of coffee in the majors when rosters expand 9/1? Think he has a shot at RF full time next year?
(cbelford from Chicago)
I personally wouldn't call him up, for service time reasons. If he keeps hitting .330/.450/.600, he has a shot at the job next year. (Shawn Hoffman)
2009-07-24 16:30:00 (link to chat)One GM recently said they would trade anyone on their roster for Jason Heyward. Off the top of your head, what GM's could have realistically said this?
(Dan from (DC))
Who's running the Nationals these days? That Rizzo guy? (Eric Seidman)
2009-07-30 14:00:00 (link to chat)What's your opinion on Jenrry Mejia and do you think Jason Heyward should get some MLB time in August?
(Mike from Utica, NY)
I like Mejia a lot and he's one of the few blue-chippers in the Mets' system. I think it's a stretch to think Heyward is ready to jump into a pennant race but I could see him getting a September callup and being in the lineup sometime in 2010. (John Perrotto)
2009-08-04 14:00:00 (link to chat)Are Mike Stanton and Jason Heyward hyped more due to the fact that they are from the US and therefore can be proven to be 19 years-old, unlike prospects from the Caribbean?
(Kevin from Miami)
I don't really think nationality's that much of a factor in such things, in terms of people turning literal blind eyes to the imports. Michael Ynoa got a ton of coverage, I seem to remember, from us as well as many others, and for good reason. (Christina Kahrl)
2009-08-05 13:00:00 (link to chat)Isn't Jason Heyward the answer to Atlanta's Corner OF woes by the end of next year?
(Aaron from YYZ)
Good point. Heyward just tore up High-A and is in the process of showing Double-A how it's done, so maybe he'll be ready by sometime in 2010. Their outfield looks a lot better if Schafer, McLouth and Heyward are all hitting. (Marc Normandin)
2009-07-15 14:00:00 (link to chat)Kevin, we hear a lot about Jason Heyward's bat, but what can you tell us about his glove, his range, his arm, etc.?
(steveomd from Georgia)
Nothing but good things, as he's an above-average outfielder with an above-average arm. (Kevin Goldstein)
2009-07-07 13:00:00 (link to chat)Jay, how do the Braves fix their absolute mess of an outfield, now and down the road?
(steveomd from Ohio)
Start by pulling the ol' switcheroo the next time the traveling secretary hands out plane tickets to Jeff Francoeur and Garret Anderson, maybe something along the lines of a flight to Tijuana via Nova Scotia.

I'd start with the assumption that McLouth should be playing a corner position (does he have the arm for right?), platoon Gregor Blanco and Omar Infante in center, at least until you're satisfied Schafer is ready, and try to find a lefty bat that can match with Matt Diaz in left. And look forward to the day when Jason Heyward is ready (two years?). (Jay Jaffe)
2009-05-28 14:00:00 (link to chat)Jason Heyward makes his MLB debut before he can legally drink. True or False?
(Nate from Work)
That would be an August 9, 2010 over/under. I'll take the over, but not by much. (Kevin Goldstein)
2009-05-28 14:00:00 (link to chat)For you, what separates Jason Heyward from other very good prospects?
(Darren from Atlanta)
Size, athleticism, projection, feel for hitting. (Kevin Goldstein)
2009-05-21 14:00:00 (link to chat)Is Stephen Strasburg the #1 prospect for 2010?
(Jim from D.C.)
Yes. I'm not Kevin, but I figure Jason Heyward, Neftali Feliz, Buster Posey and Justin Smoak are all in the mix. I'm almost certainly forgetting someone. (Joe Sheehan)
2009-05-07 14:00:00 (link to chat)Is Jason Heyward hurt? He's missing quite a few games??
(Jon from GA)
He's got a hip injury. The Braves tell me it's minor, and they're just being very cautious. (Kevin Goldstein)
2009-01-26 14:00:00 (link to chat)In terms of pure hitting ability, who wins between Matt Wieters, Brett Wallace and Jason Heyward?
(Bodhizefa from Durham, NC)
Wieters. (Kevin Goldstein)
2009-01-26 14:00:00 (link to chat)What do the Braves do with Jason Heyward in a few years if Jeff Franceour rebounds and is good again?
(DKANDREWS1 from DC)
Franceour's best full year was a 782 OPS -- I'll bet the Heyward blows that out of the water. (Kevin Goldstein)
2008-09-24 14:00:00 (link to chat)How seriously ought we take Freddie Freeman's year, given his relative anonymity, and how does he compare as a prospect to Jason Heyward, given their statistical comparison?
(Nathan from Columbus)
Guy was a second round pick, so it wasn't totally out of nowhere. The fact that he's limited to first base gives one trouble comparing him to Heyward, who has way more all-around tools. Guy can really hit though, and is a very real prospect. (Kevin Goldstein)
2008-07-22 13:00:00 (link to chat)I'm curious to hear your thoughts on Freddie Freeman, and while you're at it, Jason Heyward. Heyward was the more highly regarded guy coming into this season, but Freeman is putting up even better numbers and is the same age. I can see downgrading him because of his defensive position, but does he look like a star in the making ala Heyward?
(Rick from ATL)
Freeman is a very real prospect. He's not in Heyward's leage, but few are. Scouts love the swing and project him as a very good big league hitter. (Kevin Goldstein)
2008-07-03 13:00:00 (link to chat)Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman or Jesus Montero and Almonte?
(Mike from Atlanta)
The side getting Heyward; he's the best prospect in the deal, as I don't see Montero sticking behind the plate. (Jeff Erickson)
2008-06-26 13:00:00 (link to chat)Jason Heyward will be in the majors by? and who does he remind you of?
(Mike from Atlanta)
Mid 2009. Bigger, left-handed George Foster? Too much of a stretch? (Dayn Perry)
2008-06-20 13:30:00 (link to chat)True or False: Jason Heyward a top 5 prospect next year?
(Mike from Atlanta)
True. Maybe #1. (Joe Sheehan)
2008-06-02 12:00:00 (link to chat)What do you think of Carlos Gomez's start this year(you hyped him pretty good last year) and do you think Jason Heyward is the next Jay Bruce?
(Mike from Utica,NY)
I think Gomez is an outstanding talent who can be a superstar and he is already taking steps in that direction. Heyward is going to be a good one but I think probably a level or two below Bruce. (John Perrotto)
2008-05-05 12:30:00 (link to chat)Jason Heyward is an amazing hitter. How much longer does he have to bash low A pitching until he goes to Myrtle Beach. Is he the best Braves prospect since Chipper?
(Mike from Atlanta)
Peripherally, you'd think that I'd say the same thing about Heyward than I did about Hellickson ... move him up already! But, it doesn't hold particularly true. Heyward is exceptionally talented, and for someone at 18, he's superbly polished. But that's not to say I don't want to see him develop some skills a bit more before I move him up. Let's see a few more walks, let's see him handle change-ups from RHPs better. And you know what? I wouldn't really mind a scenario that completely bypasses Myrtle Beach. If Jason dominates Rome like he could, but the Braves let him do it over a full season, why not just send him to Mississippi next season? (Bryan Smith)
2008-04-23 13:00:00 (link to chat)Who is Jason Heyward's top comparison once he makes it to the bigs? Is he a 30-30 guy out of the gate?
(raygu1 from nj)
Is anybody a 30-30 player out of the gate? That's a pretty lofty expectation, and I'm a huge Heyward fan. It's rare for a player with Heyward's size to maintain that kind of speed. I think he has huge star potential as a OBP/SLG guy, but I dont' think he's gonna steal 30 a year. (Kevin Goldstein)


BP Roundtables

DateRoundtable NameComment
2010-04-05 09:30:00Season Opener RoundtableWell, it was quite a day. Mark Buehrle made the defensive play of the year on the first day of the season, Jason Heyward began the road to stardom at Carlos Zambrano's expense, and we decided that Vicente Padilla dressed in a white leather anything probably qualified as something better left unimagined. Thanks for joining us! (Dan Wade)
2010-04-05 09:30:00Season Opener RoundtableI'm worried that my wife might pick Jason Heyward over me. Then again, last night, while we were watching the Yankees/Red Sox game, she said "So is it better to have a DH or to have the pitcher hit?" I encouraged her to re-phrase the question as "Is there a God?" Much less contentious. (Russell A. Carleton)
2010-04-05 09:30:00Season Opener RoundtableJason Heyward versus Justin Upton is one of the arguments I'm looking forward to the most over the next decade. So. Good. (Marc Nomandin)
2010-04-05 09:30:00Season Opener RoundtableJason Heyward is good at baseball. (Kevin Goldstein)
2010-04-05 09:30:00Season Opener RoundtableCould you have written that any better for Jason Heyward? (Russell A. Carleton)
2010-04-05 09:30:00Season Opener RoundtableMarlon Byrd puts one in the seats, Jason Heyward about to make his hitting debut in Atlanta... (Steven Goldman)
2010-04-05 09:30:00Season Opener RoundtableJquinton82 (NY): Heres a few topics: 1) Madison Bumgarner's missing velocity 2) First top 25 prospect to get called up, who & when? 3) The next Jimmy Rollins is...? 4) Word association - Yogi Berra ...discuss amongst yourselves

1) Either he's hurt, or he left it in his other pants. Like lost car keys, missing velocity is always in the last place you look.

2) Well, with Jason Heyward, Neftali Feliz, Brian Matusz and Alcides Escobar breaking camp, this doesn't seem like that big a deal, but I'll go with Buster Posey, May 9, after Bengie Molina sprains some fat.

3) ...taller than Rollins and hopefully blessed with a better OBP.

4) Provider of great book titles by cool people, including our own It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over and friend Emma Span's 90% of The Game Is Half Mental, which is one of this spring's funniest baseball books.

Speaking of Yogi, I read a quote the other day that was attributed to him: "In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is." Alas, that quote has also been attributed to one Johannes "Jan" L. A. van de Snepscheut, a Dutch computer scientist who taught at Caltech before bludgeoning his wife to death with an axe in 1994.

So there's a happy tale. (Jay Jaffe)
 

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