Cubs release five-time Gold Glove outfielder Jason Heyward

CHICAGO -- The Cubs released Jason Heyward on Monday, cutting ties with a five-time Gold Glove outfielder who never produced at the plate the way they hoped.

President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said in August that Heyward would not return to the Cubs next year.

The 33-year-old Heyward had one season left on the $184 million, eight-year contract he signed before the 2016 season. He hit .245 with 62 home runs over seven years with the Cubs.

Heyward famously rallied teammates with an inspirational pep talk during a rain delay late in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series in Cleveland. Chicago went on to win 8-7 in 10 innings, ending a championship drought that dated to 1908.

Heyward hit .204 with one home run and 10 RBIs in 137 at-bats this past season. He was bothered by right knee inflammation and did not play after June 24.