Kevin Kiermaier, center fielder for the Toronto Blue Jays, disclosed to the Tampa Bay Times his intention to retire following the 2024 season. Reflecting on his decision, Kiermaier expressed that he had foreseen this being his final year, considering the condition of his body, the team’s status, and their record. The announcement came after the Blue Jays’ 6-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. Earlier in the month, despite being placed on revocable waivers by the Blue Jays, the 34-year-old received no claims from other teams.
Originally drafted by the Rays in the 31st round of the 2010 draft, Kiermaier went on to achieve four Gold Gloves and a Platinum Glove. Despite his defensive prowess, he acknowledged to the Times that the demands of preparation were increasingly taxing on his body. His batting average this season stands at .195, marking his second year with the Blue Jays after nine seasons with the Rays.
Looking ahead, Kiermaier emphasized that while he believes he can still deliver a good performance on the field, maintaining his accustomed standards of speed, defense, and arm strength has become more challenging over time. With his third child expected in December, he views retirement as an opportunity to prioritize fatherhood and allow his body to recuperate.
Throughout his career, Kiermaier has accumulated impressive statistics, including 94 home runs and 370 RBIs across 1,119 games, with a batting average of .247 and a .710 OPS. Despite the challenges, Kiermaier expressed satisfaction and pride in his career journey, describing it as an incredible experience.
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