It’s been an interesting week for Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Kevin Kiermaier, who was placed on waivers earlier this week but has now cleared them. Kiermaier went undisclosed on waivers but was informed of the recent news today by executive Ross Atkins.
Kevin Kiermaier clears waivers, will remain with the Blue Jays for now https://t.co/CRedTHf4Q3
— Blue Jays Nation (@thejaysnation) July 13, 2024
Kevin Kiermaier Clears Waivers, Remains with Blue Jays
Kiermaier’s Waiver Week
A devoted defensive stalwart, Kiermaier was placed on waivers on Wednesday. Regarding the waiver procedure, the decision to undertake the process takes two days. The Blue Jays’ intention to put the 34-year-old on waivers was that they were optimistic that another contending team would pick him up and take on the remaining $4.5 million of his $10.5 million contract. But that was not the case, as all the other clubhouses decided not to snatch him up. So ultimately, he will remain in Toronto for now.
The other option for the Blue Jays could be to place Kiermaier in the minors as he was unclaimed, but there is no objective in moving forward with this plan. This is because he can decline being placed in the minors, as he has more than five years of experience and the power to deny this move while keeping hold of his earnings. Kiermaier would most likely select free agency if the Blue Jays attempted to place him in Triple-A. However, it now appears that Kiermaier will remain with the team as their center fielder.
A Down Season
Unfortunately, Kiermaier has not produced as anticipated and has struggled at the plate. It’s been one of the toughest seasons of his MLB career. Kiermaier continued to struggle with striking out. In addition, he has a poor OBP (ranked sixth lowest). It is far from his previous slugging days with the Tampa Bay Rays. Yes, he is older now, but more has been expected from the veteran.
Kiermaier is sporting a .191 batting average with three home runs this year. His sharp defense can’t be ignored, but his offensive production is not looking bright this season. Unsurprisingly, another team didn’t pick him due to his struggles at the plate. The Blue Jays still have the option to trade him from now to the MLB trade deadline on July 30th. However, the downside to that is they would need to pay off a chunk of his salary to work out a trade. For now, the Blue Jays will have to continue utilizing him. Hopefully, his offense will improve, and the Blue Jays can use his best assets, speed and defense.
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