The Toronto Blue Jays have placed outfield Kevin Kiermaier on waivers, reports Joel Sherman of The New York Post. Kiermaier is still on the 40-man roster and can continue playing for the Blue Jays while on waivers. He’s in today’s game against the San Francisco Giants. If he clears waivers, Toronto can outright him or release him, but keeping him on the roster is a possible option.
The move is a clear sign that the Blue Jays are going to sell and see if they make enough cuts between now and the July 30 trade deadline to fall under the $237 million first luxury tax threshold. Sherman also notes that it is “highly doubtful” a team would claim Kiermaier, given his $10.5 million salary this season, about $6.5 million of which the Blue Jays have paid this season. Kiermaier, 34, is a strong defensive center fielder, but he has been underwhelming for the Blue Jays on offense. Through Wednesday, Kiemaier was hitting a dismal .183.
Kevin Kiermaier Placed on Waivers
After making his major league debut in 2013, Kiermaier stepped into the Tampa Bay Rays everyday center field role in 2014, remaining in that role for nine seasons. He established himself as a Gold Glove defender while hitting a .248/.308/.408 line during his time with Tampa Bay. He departed the Rays to join the Blue Jays on a one-year deal in December of 2022, one that went well for both sides.
Kiermaier, who bats left-handed, hit a respectable .260/.321/.431 against right-handed pitching last year. He hit .265 with eight home runs while being baseball’s best No. 9 hitter. He posted a .714 OPS, which was above his career average, en route to earning his fourth career Gold Glove Award.
The move will likely mark the beginning of the Blue Jays deadline plans. They sit last in the American League East and are 8 1/2 games back of the final AL Wild Card spot.
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