Kiermaier agrees to deal with Blue Jays (sources)
TORONTO — The Blue Jays have reached an settlement with Kevin Kiermaier so as to add the longtime Rays cornerstone to their new-look outfield, sources informed MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand and Juan Toribio on Saturday.
Kiermaier’s deal, first reported by Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi, is pending a bodily and has not but been made official by the membership.
The 32-year-old performed 10 seasons with the Rays, and the Blue Jays turned all too acquainted with his defensive excellence as he collected three Gold Glove Awards with the American League East rival. That glove is on the core of Toronto’s attraction to Kiermaier, however his precise position might depend upon whether or not one other outfield addition is coming.
Last season, Kiermaier was restricted to 63 video games with the Rays, batting .228 with a .649 OPS in a down yr. He battled hip irritation all year long, although, receiving cortisone pictures starting in Spring Training, and he ultimately underwent surgical procedure on that hip to handle an impingement and restore a torn labrum.
Following the season, the Rays declined Kiermaier’s $13 million membership possibility for a $2.5 million buyout, making him a free agent. At the time, Kiermaier was nonetheless anticipated to return to full exercise early within the new yr and be able to go for Opening Day.
What the Blue Jays are hoping for right here is one thing nearer to Kiermaier’s ’21 season, his final wholesome stretch of robust play when he hit .259 with a .716 OPS. In the sphere, Kiermaier was price 12 outs above common throughout that season, the third-highest amongst MLB middle fielders behind solely Michael A. Taylor and Harrison Bader. Kiermaier brings some authentic pace, too, and whereas it doesn’t present in stolen base totals, he might step in as one of many quickest gamers on this roster from Day 1.
Outfield protection might be much more essential subsequent season, too. As the Blue Jays renovate Rogers Centre, they’ll even be altering the outfield wall’s dimension and form. It’s not anticipated to drastically tilt the stadium in favor of pitchers or hitters, however membership president Mark Shapiro just lately hinted that it’s going to “create some uniqueness” and add some “fascinating outcomes with balls in play.” That arrow factors to a necessity for improved outfield protection.
Kiermaier additionally brings a sturdy popularity within the clubhouse, which shall be welcomed by a membership that’s trying to bounce again from a heartbreaking Wild Card Series loss to the Mariners and recover from the hump in ’23.
The fascination is within the match, although.
Kiermaier has nearly solely performed middle area within the large leagues, a place at present occupied by George Springer in Toronto. Kiermaier has the defensive expertise to maneuver round at this stage of his profession, in fact, and we’ll proceed to see extra of Springer in proper area because the years go on, however this creates an fascinating positional dynamic.
The doubtless reply is that we gained’t have the complete image but. After dealing Teoscar Hernández to the Mariners earlier this offseason, the Blue Jays have been left with Springer and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. as their clear beginning outfielders, with Whit Merrifield, Cavan Biggio and others accessible as depth. Instead of viewing Kiermaier as a starter, it’s very attainable that the Blue Jays will make one other extra offensive-minded addition to the outfield alongside him.
Following the commerce of Hernández for reliever Erik Swanson, that is the Blue Jays’ first notable step into free company this offseason. They are anticipated to stay notably aggressive within the beginning pitching market, and all eyes stay on their younger trio of catchers, which might be used as main commerce chips.
