TORONTO — Blue Jays outfielder and four-time Gold Glove winner Kevin Kiermaier mentioned Wednesday night time he intends to retire on the finish of the season.
Now in his eleventh season and second with Toronto after 9 years with the Rays, Kiermaier is batting .191 with 4 house runs and 18 RBIs in 77 video games. He signed a one-year, $10.5 million contract with the Blue Jays final winter.
“I am very happy,” Kiermaier mentioned after a 6-3 win over Tampa Bay. “I am at peace with my choice. The yr will not be over but. Who is aware of what’s left in retailer?”
Chosen by the Rays within the thirty first spherical of the 2010 draft, Kiermaier gained Gold Gloves in heart subject in 2015, 2016, 2019 and 2023. He gained the Platinum Glove Award because the AL’s greatest defensive participant in 2015.
“He is the last word skilled,” Blue Jays supervisor John Schneider mentioned. “He is meant lots to this group. He is most likely the most effective heart fielders of this period.”
Years of diving catches and arduous slides on the bases haven’t all the time been form to the 34-year-old Kiermaier, who has performed his complete house profession on synthetic turf.
“Taking part in on this turf all these years, it is beat me up,” Kiermaier mentioned, citing again and hip ache among the many accidents he is needed to handle this season.
“Attempting to prepare every day is the toughest it is ever been,” he mentioned.
Kiermaier and his spouse expect their third youngster in December, and the veteran outfielder mentioned he is excited to be a full-time father for some time after he finishes taking part in.
Nevertheless, Kiermaier additionally mentioned he’d “positively” be fascinated with a part-time teaching position if the appropriate alternative comes alongside.
“I want to keep within the sport in some capability,” he mentioned. “I sit right here and joke round and say, ‘I wish to be an outfielder whisperer at some point.’ Outfield protection is what I do know the most effective.”
