Jason Heyward says goodbye to Chicago in emotional Cubs press conference (Video)

Jason Heyward said goodbye to the Chicago Cubs in a press conference, as he part ways with the team after this season.

The Chicago Cubs‘ season officially ends after their Oct. 5 game against the Cincinnati Reds, as they did not clinch a playoff berth. This season will be one player’s final with the team; Jason Heyward and the Cubs are set to part ways after this season.

Heyward spoke to the media in a press conference on Thursday, where he said goodby to the city of Chicago and looked back at his time with the Cubs.

Jason Heyward’s farewell to Chicago, as he is set to part ways with Cubs

“We were able to pull off a lot of special things together and we did a lot of winning,” said Heyward. “What a ride, for this city, for this fanbase. The love that I’ve received, the love that we received, the guys that were part of those groups, is never taken for granted. We’re so happy, I think I speak for everybody, we’re so happy to be a part of that group that brought them to the other side of that.”

Heyward spent the beginning of his career with the Atlanta Braves before he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2015. Following that season, the Cubs agreed to terms with Heyward on an eight-year, $184 million contract.

The previous year, the Cubs were swept in the NLCS by the New York Mets. Bringing in Heyward and a bunch of other talent helped put the Cubs over the top in the National League. In what was probably one of the greatest World Series in recent memory, they defeated the now-Cleveland Guardians in seven games.

In his seven years with the Cubs, Heyward recorded a .245 batting average, a .323 on-base percentage, a .377 slugging percentage, 62 home runs, 289 RBI, and 618 hits. Heyward has a World Series title and two Gold Gloves to his credit while wearing a Cubs uniform.

Even though his tenure with the Cubs is reaching its end, Heyward says that he still plans on playing.

“Have to be realistic about their roles that they think I should be in,” Heyward said, h/t Matt Carlson of the Associated Press. “Is that a minor league invite? Or is that a possibility of saying, ‘Oh, like we want you on this team and we’re here to win and compete. We understand what you bring in a winning environment.’”

Heyward has one more year remaining on his contract with the Cubs, but the team has opted to move on. Despite this being the end, Heyward will be remembered for his role in helping the team break their 108-year World Series drought.