The Toronto Blue Jays have signed veteran outfielder Kevin Kiermaier to an agreement. According to Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi
Blue Jays in agreement with Kevin Kiermaier pending a physical, per industry source. The CF, coming off hip surgery, is a three-time GG winner and a top percentile defender, which may matter more with new OF dimensions coming to Rogers Centre: https://t.co/L3gD86dHu9
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) December 10, 2022
Kiermaier the Lefty
This is a player that Blue Jays fans should be familiar with. In nine seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays, he hit .248/.308/.407 with 82 home runs and 316 RBI. Kiermaier became a free agent following the Rays not picking up his $13 million club option.
The Toronto Blue Jays were a contender last season in the American League. Despite finishing fourth, they did not meet fans’ expectations of making the playoffs. While it is great to have hitters like Bo Bichette, George Springer, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., there appears to be something missing in the Blue Jays lineup. As the Blue Jays have traded Teoscar Hernandez, there is an available spot to acquire a left-handed hitter. Despite being in on prominent hitters like Brandon Nimmo and Cody Bellinger, both signed with other teams. Kevin Kiermaier is the left-handed hitter the Blue Jays have been looking to acquire.
Looking at the other contenders in the American League the Blue Jays appear to be the odd one out. The Houston Astros have Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker, the New York Yankees have Anthony Rizzo, the Tampa Bay Rays have Wander Franco, and the Seattle Mariners have Kolten Wong and J.P. Crawford. In the lineup, he will allow the team to be strong in the bottom third of the order. Although 2022 was a down season for Kevin Kiermaier, he hopes to turn things around in 2023.
Defensively
Ultimately, the 32-year-old outfielder from Indiana is best known for his defensive abilities. Kiermaier is a three-time gold glove winner and the 2015 platinum glove winner. As one of the most defensively sound players in the game, it would help reduce the Blue Jays’ errors. Additionally, it allows George Springer to move to a corner outfield position. Kiermaier is one of the best outfielders in fielding percentage, leading the American League in this category in two of the last three seasons. His focus for this season is to remain healthy and show that he is a dependable fielder that can play every day.
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
Players mentioned:
Kevin Kiermaier, Bo Bichette, George Springer, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Teoscar Hernandez, Brandon Nimmo, Cody Bellinger, Yordan Alvarez, Kyle Tucker, Anthony Rizzo, Wander Franco, Kolten Wong, J.P. Crawford
