Kevin Kiermaier Back to Blue Jays

Earlier on Tuesday, the Blue Jays agreed to terms with Kevin Kiermaier on a 1-year, $10.5 million deal. Kiermaier will turn 34 in 2024 and still provides elite defence in the outfield. This is one of the more polarizing moves for Blue Jays fans as this move likely means Toronto will “run it back” with a Varsho/Kiermaier/Springer outfield and not sign OF Cody Bellinger. Kiermaier made it clear that he loves Toronto in 2023 and maybe Blue Jays fans will hear him sing “O Canada” in 2024. 

Kiermaier was a pleasant surprise for Toronto in every facet of the game. The veteran outfielder stole 14 bases, hit 8 HRs, and tallied 18 Defensive Runs Saved/13 Outs Above Average in centre field. Kiermaier also put up a 104 wRC+, which is his best outing since his 2017 season. It will be interesting to see if Kiermaier can build off of this impressive showing in 2024.

The 33-year-old faced a heavy dose of fastballs earlier on in the season, resulting in Kiermaier’s productive beginning to the season. As the season went on, however, he began to receive more breaking balls and offspeed pitches. Kiermaier finished the season with a .482 slugging percentage against fastballs. However, his .358 slugging percentage against breaking balls and .342 slugging percentage against offspeed pitches are cause for concern. In Kiermaier’s last month of playing time, he put up a sub-.700 OPS, which could mean that the league has figured him out. Either way, regression is possible offensively is possible for the vet. 

Kevin Kiermaier resurrected his career offensively with the Toronto Blue Jays and it was definitely wise for him to return to see if he could continue that offensive showing. It’s clear that he loves Toronto and the squad that has been put in place. Blue Jays fans will certainly be hoping Kiermaier can provide production in each part of the game in centre field and in the lower half of the lineup.