Last updated on: June 28, 2025
Jason Heyward is a Major League Baseball outfielder known for his smooth swing, elite defense, and quiet leadership. Born August 9, 1989, in Ridgewood, New Jersey, and raised just outside Atlanta, Heyward was a top high school prospect who jumped straight into the spotlight when the Braves drafted him in 2007. He announced his arrival in unforgettable fashion—hitting a home run in his first MLB at-bat in 2010. That moment felt like the start of something special, and for much of his career, Heyward has delivered with Gold Glove defense, smart baserunning, and a calm, steady presence.
In 2016, he signed a major deal with the Chicago Cubs and quickly became more than just a right fielder—he became one of the team’s most trusted voices. His now-famous rain delay speech during Game 7 of the World Series is still talked about in Chicago.
As of December 2025, Jason Heyward is 36 years and 3 months old. His estimated net worth is $70 million, and he is 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm or 1.96 m) tall.
Bio/Wiki
Full Name
Jason Alias Heyward
Nickname
J-Hey
Profession
Baseball Player
Career
Debut
2010- Atlanta Braves
Best Known for
As an elite MLB outfielder renowned for his exceptional defense, multiple Gold Glove Awards, and being a key player in the Chicago Cubs’ 2016 World Series win.
Jersey Number
#23
Position
Right fielder
Current Team
Los Angeles Dodgers
Personal Profile and Background Details
Date of Birth
9 August 1989
Age
As of today, Jason Heyward is 36 years, 3 months, and 27 days old.
Zodiac sign
Leo
Signature
Nationality
American
Birth Place
Ridgewood, New Jersey, United States
Residence
Atlanta
School / College / University
He attended Henry County High School in McDonough, Georgia, where he wasn’t just another student—he was the guy everyone came to watch. On the field, he was electric. He led his team deep into state championships and collected more accolades than most teenagers know what to do with. Scouts were already circling before he’d even tossed his graduation cap.
Though he signed a National Letter of Intent to play at UCLA—a dream school for many—Heyward made a bold move. When the Atlanta Braves came calling with the 14th overall pick in the 2007 MLB draft, he didn’t look back. At just 17, he stepped straight into the world of professional baseball, skipping the college path entirely.
Religion
Christian
Race / Ethnicity
African American
Food Habits
Over the years, he’s fine-tuned his diet to match the demands of elite-level baseball. Steaks? Off the plate. Instead, he leans into cleaner, more intentional choices—think organic, real foods that fuel recovery as much as performance. It’s not about trends or crash diets; it’s about longevity, consistency, and keeping his body game-ready.
Mornings usually start early for Heyward, often with a workout that kicks off before most people hit snooze. His meals are built to complement that grind—light, nutrient-dense, and designed for stamina.
Hobbies
Spending Quality time with family.
Tattoo
Physical Attributes and Measurements
Height
- In feet: 6′ 5″
- In Centimetres: 196 cm
- In meters: 1.96 m
Weight
- In kilograms: 109 kg
- In Pounds: 240 lbs
Body Measurements
- Chest Size: 42″
- Biceps Size: 16″
- Waist Size: 32″
Shoe size
18 US
Eye color
Black
Hair color
Black
Family
Wife
Vedrana Heyward (2021–Present)
Father
Eugene Heyward
Mother
Laura Heyward
Siblings
Jacob Heyward (brother)
Children
Messi Heyward (Son)
Slaš Heyward (Daughter)
Relationship & More
Marital Status
Married to Vedrana Heyward
Marriage Date
2021
Girlfriend and Dating History
Vedrana Heyward (2017—present)
Jason Heyward and Vedrana Heyward (née Kocovic) have one of those quiet, solid love stories that feels genuine from the start. They began dating sometime after Jason’s previous engagement ended in 2017, but they kept things pretty private until they got married in March 2021. Vedrana, who’s from Chicago, isn’t just “Jason Heyward’s wife”—she’s a force of her own. She’s a social activist and runs “Girls on the Diamond,” a mentorship program for young girls that’s part of Jason’s baseball academy foundation. They’re both big on giving back, which makes their bond even stronger.
In 2022, they welcomed their son, Messi, and stepped into the new chapter of parenthood together. They live in a gorgeous $5.9 million home in Chicago’s Gold Coast—still close to the community that means so much to them. Vedrana’s also known for being outspoken on political issues and sharing her perspective online.
Net worth 2025
$70 million
As of December 2025, it’s estimated that Jason Heyward has a net worth of about $70 million. From his early days as a top prospect to becoming a veteran presence in the MLB, Heyward has built an impressive financial portfolio. His money doesn’t just come from playing baseball—it flows from long-term contracts, smart choices, real estate, and community-driven ventures. Here’s a closer look at exactly how he earns.
1. Major League Baseball Contracts – Over $173 Million
Atlanta Braves (2007–2014)
Jason Heyward began building his financial legacy straight out of high school. Drafted 14th overall by the Atlanta Braves in the 2007 MLB Draft, he signed a deal that included a $1.7 million signing bonus—a massive amount for a 17-year-old. By 2010, he made his MLB debut with the Braves and quickly became a fan favorite. His early years were under team control and arbitration, but his salary steadily grew:
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2010 (rookie year): ~$400,000
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2013–2014 (arbitration years): ~$3.6M–$5.5M per season
By the time he was traded in late 2014, Heyward had already banked over $13 million in MLB salary with the Braves alone.
St. Louis Cardinals (2015)
In a one-year stint with the Cardinals, Heyward signed a $8.8 million contract and put up one of his best seasons both offensively and defensively. It wasn’t long before he hit free agency—and the big payday came knocking.
Chicago Cubs (2016–2022): $184 Million Contract
This is where the money skyrocketed.
In December 2015, Jason Heyward signed one of the richest contracts in baseball at the time: a 8-year, $184 million deal with the Chicago Cubs. The annual average value (AAV) was about $23 million per season, though the actual payout varied each year:
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2016–2019: $21–28 million annually
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2020 (COVID-shortened season): Prorated ~8–9 million
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2021–2022: Around $22 million per year
His performance during this contract had its ups and downs, but his leadership during the Cubs’ historic 2016 World Series win, including a rain-delay locker room speech in Game 7, solidified his place in franchise lore.
💰 Estimated earnings from Cubs: ~$142 million (after taxes and proration adjustments)
Los Angeles Dodgers (2023–2024)
After being released by the Cubs with one year left on his contract, Heyward signed a minor-league deal with the Dodgers and reinvented himself. He earned $720,000 in 2023 on a league-minimum deal (while the Cubs paid the remainder of his salary), and then signed a one-year, $9 million deal for 2024.
Career Earnings from MLB (2007–2024)
| Team | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| Atlanta Braves | ~$13M |
| St. Louis Cardinals | ~$8.8M |
| Chicago Cubs | ~$142M |
| Los Angeles Dodgers | ~$9.7M |
| Total (MLB Salary) | $173M+ |
When you include playoff bonuses, signing incentives, and performance-based bonuses over the years, Heyward’s total MLB earnings likely exceed $175–180 million.
2. Endorsements & Sponsorship Deals
Unlike more flamboyant stars, Jason Heyward kept his endorsements relatively low-key. He’s had partnerships with:
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Rawlings (gloves and gear)
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Nike apparel
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Local marketing deals during his time in Chicago
These were never LeBron-level endorsement deals, but they brought in a steady stream of income—estimated at $50,000 to $150,000 annually during his peak seasons, especially when he was a regular Gold Glove winner and World Series champion.
Total estimated from endorsements over his career: ~$1 to $2 million
3. Real Estate Investments
Heyward has made some smart plays off the field—particularly in real estate.
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In 2021, he and his wife Vedrana bought a $5.9 million mansion in Chicago’s Gold Coast, one of the city’s most exclusive neighborhoods. The home features luxurious amenities, lakefront views, and expansive square footage.
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His property value continues to appreciate in one of the Midwest’s strongest housing markets.
While there’s no public portfolio detailing additional real estate assets, someone of Heyward’s stature is likely invested in more than just one property—especially considering his long-term income and financial advisors.
4. Heyward House Foundation & Community Ventures
Jason and Vedrana run The Heyward House Foundation, a non-profit initiative focused on empowering youth through sports, education, and community support. While the foundation itself isn’t for profit, it’s an extension of their brand and influence—and has helped Heyward position himself for future opportunities in business, philanthropy, and possibly even broadcasting or coaching.
His wife also leads “Girls on the Diamond,” a mentorship program that supports young women, under the umbrella of Heyward House. This helps expand their visibility and social value, which can indirectly lead to speaking opportunities, partnerships, and post-retirement ventures.
5. Future Earnings Potential
Although Jason Heyward’s 2024 contract with the Dodgers marks the tail end of his playing career, he’s still a respected name in baseball with a clean image, strong leadership credentials, and off-field brand potential. Future opportunities could include:
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Broadcasting or commentary
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Youth coaching or MLB development roles
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Brand ambassador for social causes
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Investments in sports academies or franchises
He’s also uniquely positioned for roles in diversity advocacy and mentorship within MLB, which is increasingly valuable both publicly and internally for the league.
Car collection
His collection features a Range Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac Escalade, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Chevrolet Silverado Classic, and Ford, among others.
House
Pets
