He’s quick, defensively impeccable and knows the American East Division well. Beyond his skills on the field, Kevin Kiermaier intends to play the same role he occupied with the Tampa Bay Rays, that of the heart of the locker room. Visibly changing culture, the Toronto Blue Jays can now count on a veteran who has never lacked self-confidence in his career.
His track record doesn’t lie. Although he was never his team’s toughest hitter, Kiermaier made up for that with his glove and authenticity in the locker room, as well as his charisma on the fans. This was particularly evident during the club’s winter tour.
As Andy Moore of Fansided.com notes, the signing of Kiermaier and the trade that brought Daulton Varsho will take the Jays’ outfield to a level rarely seen, defensively speaking.
If George Springer is seen as the offensive glue that holds all young stars together, the former Rays will make sure to do the same to prepare his teammates to win.
True to form, the principal concerned did not take long before showing his confidence, without falling into insolence.
During the press conference introducing him to the Toronto and national media, Kiermaier had dotted the “i’s” by saying that his position as a regular in center field was not to be won, but to be lost.
Winner of three Gold Gloves (and one Platinum), 4th among active MLB players with 17.7 dWAR and long playoff runs, Kiermaier’s impact will be hard to tell at first glance. .
But like in Tampa Bay, he’ll likely find a way to be a fan favorite. And in Toronto, we know that fans love excellent defensive players.
