Chicago – The cub free jason hayward on Monday, cutting ties with the five-time Gold Glove outfielder, who never quite produced at the plate as expected.
Jed Hoyer, president of baseball operations, said in August that Hayward would not return to the Cubs the following year.
The 33-year-old Hayward had one season left on the eight-year, $184 million contract he signed before the 2016 season. He hit .245 with 62 home runs in seven years with the Cubs.
Hayward rallied teammates with an inspirational pep talk during a rain delay late in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series in Cleveland. Chicago won 8–7 in 10 innings, ending a championship drought that lasted until 1908.
Hayward hit .204 with one home run and 10 RBI in 137 at-bats last season. He was troubled by inflammation in his right knee and did not play after 24 June.
Data Source www.espn.com
