DUNEDIN, Florida — Kevin Kiermaier believed he had played his last game in center field for the Toronto Blue Jays following his unexpected departure from the postseason the previous season.
Kiermaier made his major league debut in 2013 with the Tampa Bay Rays, and he has played for teams that use artificial grass throughout his career. At thirty-three, his body demanded a surface modification. He was not without options. The Twins called and spoke with his delegates for a considerable amount of time. The Dodgers, with their renowned immaculate grass, initiated an early investigation. Giants and Cubs both checked in.
Why, then, was Kiermaier back at the Blue Jays’ ultramodern spring training complex on Saturday, having just signed a $10.5 million, one-year contract to return to Toronto?
“These guys,” he remarked as he looked around the clubhouse at his teammates. “I never imagined returning to turf as a player. I hold the players accountable.
Kiermaier chuckled. Of course, he wasn’t blaming his teammates. He was paying them the highest tribute possible. Kiermaier may potentially increase his wages in the future by diving into natural grass outfield gaps and extending his career. However, he claimed that his family’s comfort in Toronto and the Blue Jays’ culture were more significant.
“Even though turf was by no means a priority for me, I never completely closed the door [on returning to Toronto] when our season ended last year,” Kiermaier stated. “I kept telling myself that I couldn’t possibly find a more talented staff. We make a pitch. We take the defensive position. We have people that can hit.
It’s very enjoyable. I adore the boys in this group. Honestly, that’s what got me back. And last year, Toronto gave me the royal treatment. You want to feel valued as a player. When we left [after] last year, my wife was inconsolable. She was reluctant to go. My children were enthralled by it. They frequently discuss the CN Tower. They are eager to return.
After having surgery on his left hip to end his previous season with Tampa Bay, Kiermaier outperformed expectations in 2023. For Toronto, he started 111 games in center field, which is a record he hasn’t held since ’19.’ He also earned his fourth Gold Glove Award in his career.
Kiermaier established a goal to lead the American League in hits out of the No. 9 hole before the 2018 season started, and he succeeded with 83.
In 2024, Kiermaier will be most concerned with the number zero, or the amount of days he wishes to spend on the disabled list.
“I made a catch in Boston and gashed my elbow the only time I went [on the IL] last year,” he stated. “I was unavailable for three or four days due to a few other matters. The Blue Jays—kudos to them—stayed with me through it. Although I could have continued a few more times, they let me [remain active].
Kiermaier participated in 129 games in the previous campaign, filling in on defense and as a pinch runner. This season, he intends to work similarly hard, starting four times a week and making additional appearances off the bench.
Kiermaier responded, “That’s fine with me.” “I am not Cal Ripken, nor are those guys who can play 162 on the field.” I don’t think I’ll be able to reach 150 or more. I would be content if I played 140 games. The way they handled me the previous year made me very delighted. I’m willing to exert as much energy as possible, but because of my style of play—playing on grass continuously—I require my days off. I’ll gladly acknowledge that.
