Atlanta Braves fans will never forget the debut of former cornerstone outfielder Jason Heyward.
The veteran started his accomplished career with the Braves, debuting in the 2010 season against the Chicago Cubs. Heyward stepped to the plate against Carlos Zambrano and launched a three-run homer that would help propel the Braves to a dominating win and force the veteran Chicago pitcher to consider retirement.
While Heyward may have never lived up to lofty expectations, the former Brave remains an important piece of recent franchise history. Since leaving Atlanta, the veteran has made stops with the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros, L.A. Dodgers, and San Diego Padres.
The veteran would win a World Series with the 2016 Cubs and would fall just a season short of winning another with Freddie Freeman's Los Angeles Dodgers. Heyward and the Dodgers parted ways a bit too soon from the veteran's perspective.
Now, Heyward is tasked with attempting to turn around his 2025 struggles and continue what has been an impressive career.
Former Braves Outfielder Jason Heyward Preparing for Awaited Return
Heyward has been absent from the Padres' lineup since the end of May due to an oblique strain. Having said that, the ex-Brave is nearing his return after making his first rehab start with Triple-A El Paso on Friday night.
Heyward appeared to have some rust in the appearance, though, going 0-of-4 at the plate as grounded out twice while also recording two strikeouts.
From the Show to the road, J-Hey’s riding with the Pups! 👀
— El Paso Chihuahuas (@epchihuahuas) June 13, 2025
Tonight, MLB All-Star, Five-time Gold Glove winner, and World Series champion, Jason Heyward will rehab with the Chihuahuas in Round Rock against the Express. Tune in live Tim Hagerty on @600espnep pic.twitter.com/OS8h7jh0PB
Heyward has never produced the expected power numbers; however, the former Brave has provided consistent value with incredible defensive production. The best season came in 2012, with Atlanta giving hope that the early struggles weren't a sign of things to come. The team would opt to turn the page when the inconsistent production remained, and it was clear the roster needed a reset.
The San Diego Padres have an interesting decision to make considering the .176 average Heyward is offering.
It would be very easy to part ways with the outfielder, even with the lack of solid options currently on the San Diego roster. Still, there is hope the team remains patient long enough for Heyward to return closer to his career .255 mark and give a bit of stability to the Padres' bench. The veteran is now ready to make his return, starting a rehab assignment after being out with an injury for the last two weeks of the season. San Diego is quickly going to be forced to make a decision.
For Atlanta, it is a fun reminder of a former franchise player who has worn several uniforms since departing the franchise. The latest happens to be that of the team's recent nemesis, who bounced the Braves from the 2024 playoffs and has dominated them in the 2025 season.
Even with this in mind, it is hard not to wish Heyward the best as the outfielder prepares to return from injury.