According to Jon Morosi, Blue Jays’ OF Kevin Kiermaier praised the city of Toronto and how his family is ecstatic to return to “The 6” in 2024. He goes on to mention how his wife was crying when they left after the 2023 campaign, along with his children enjoying their experiences with the landmark CN Tower. With the love that Kiermaier has not only given off, but received from the Blue Jays fanbase, it is very possible that KK will remain in Toronto for the rest of his career.
An Impressive 2023 Campaign
Hopefully, Kevin Kiermaier’s success from last year can continue in 2024. Defensively, the 33-year-old was business casual, as he tallied an impressive 18 DRS in CF during the 2023 campaign. Kiermaier should be playing the same role in 2024, taking a veteran leadership role in centre to mentor the other young hitters in the Blue Jays lineup. On the basepaths, Kiermaier also stole 14 bases, with a SB% of 93.3%.
In addition to his excellence on the basepaths and defensive side of the game, Kiermaier may be able to provide quality at-bats in the 9-hole like in 2023. The lefty’s .741 OPS and 104 wRC+ was a pleasant surprise for a player who had little offensive expectations coming into last season. Kiermaier’s increase in FlyBall% allowed him to show more slugging abilities, as the 1x Platinum Glover crushed 8 HRs in 2023. If this success continues in 2024, the Kiermaier family’s experiences in Toronto will improve by a drastic margin.
Long Term Option?
Overall, Kevin Kiermaier’s remarks praising Toronto demonstrate that he may want to remain in T.O. long term. His positive attitude and quality performance that he brought to 2023 makes Kiermaier an asset on and off the diamond. Perhaps Blue Jays fans can finally hear the beloved outfielder sing the Canadian National Anthem at some point in 2024.