Breaking: Kiermaier returns and claims Toronto’s grass is greener
Kiermaier made his major league debut in 2013 with the Tampa Bay Rays, and he has played for teams that use artificial grass throughout his career. At thirty-three, his body demanded a surface modification. He was not without options. The Twins called and spoke with his delegates for a considerable amount of time. The Dodgers, with their renowned immaculate grass, initiated an early investigation. Giants and Cubs both checked in.
Why, then, was Kiermaier back at the Blue Jays’ ultramodern spring training complex on Saturday, having just signed a $10.5 million, one-year contract to return to Toronto?
“These guys,” he remarked as he looked around the clubhouse at his teammates. “I never imagined returning to turf as a player. I hold the players accountable.
Kiermaier chuckled. Of course, he wasn’t blaming his teammates. He was paying them the highest tribute possible. Kiermaier may potentially increase his wages in the future by diving into natural grass outfield gaps and extending his career. However, he claimed that the comfort of his family in Toronto and the Blue Jays’ culture were more significant.
“Even though turf was by no means a priority for me, I never completely closed the door [on returning to Toronto] when our season ended last year,” Kiermaier stated. “I kept telling myself that I couldn’t possibly find a more talented staff. We make a pitch. We take the defensive position. We have people that can hit.
It’s very enjoyable. I adore the boys in this group. Honestly, that’s what got me back. And last year, Toronto gave me the royal treatment. You want to feel valued as a player. When we left [after] last year, my wife was inconsolable. She was reluctant to go. My children were enthralled by it. They frequently discuss the CN Tower. They are eager to return.
After having surgery on his left hip to end his previous season with Tampa Bay, Kiermaier outperformed expectations in 2023. For Toronto, he started 111 games in center field, which is a record he hasn’t held since ’19.’ He also earned his fourth Gold Glove Award in his career.
Kiermaier established a goal to lead the American League in hits out of the No. 9 hole before the 2018 season started, and he succeeded with 83. In 2024, Kiermaier will be most concerned with the number zero, or the amount of days he wishes to spend on the disabled list.
“I made a catch in Boston and gashed my elbow the only time I went [on the IL] last year,” he stated. “I was unavailable for three or four days due to a few other matters. The Blue Jays—kudos to them—stayed with me through it. Although I could have continued a few more times, they let me [remain active].
Kiermaier participated in 129 games in the previous campaign, filling in on defense and as a pinch runner. This season, he intends to work similarly hard, starting four times a week and making additional appearances off the bench.
Kiermaier responded, “That’s fine with me.” “I am not Cal Ripken, nor are those guys who can play 162 on the field.” I don’t think I’ll be able to reach 150 or more. I would be content if I played 140 games. The way they handled me the previous year made me very delighted. I’m willing to exert as much energy as possible, but because of my style of play—playing on grass continuously—I require my days off. I’ll gladly acknowledge that.
“You must complete the regular season. I hope that, come playoff time, I did all within my power to secure a spot in every game—no matter what.
One thing that Kiermaier will have in 2024 that he did not have last season is a completely refurbished Rogers Centre. Behind-the-scenes improvements in infrastructure will benefit Kiermaier and his colleagues, while Blue Jays fans enjoy luxurious clubs and cozy, all-new 100 level seating.
He declared, “We’re getting a whole new clubhouse with so many more options for recovery and things to help, both before and after the game.” “I’m thrilled about it,” Last year, I developed a bizarre foot condition known as metatarsalgia. My feet’s balls looked like they were bruised with bone. It was terrible. That is something new for me. Because I had a rough year last year, I know how I want to attack this year and what I need to do to get my body ready. I should be okay if I can steer clear of that this year along with the other potential problems that may arise over the season.
Over the course of 31 postseason games, Kiermaier’s career OPS of.715 is almost exactly the same as his regular season OPS of.718). He advanced to the 2020 World Series, but the Rays were defeated in six games by the Dodgers. Early in June, Kiermaier will mark ten years of Major League service, which is a noteworthy accomplishment for a player. Regarding how many more seasons he would like to play, he has no set plan.
Kiermaier remarked, “I try not to get too ahead of myself.” “Christmas Kev can play three or four [more] years,” I usually remark. Kev, July, August? He is unique. I currently operate on a year-to-year basis, not because I keep signing one-year contracts. I have to be practical.
Kiermaier’s grasp of the all-out, sprinting, diving style that has defined his whole career is a big part of that reality, and it helps to explain why the 31st-round draft choice from Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois, has played more than 1,000 games in the Major Leagues.
He remarked, “I could not do it any other way.” “I would feel bad about myself. I was able to play in the major leagues for ten years because of that. It is not in my DNA to settle for less or to not work hard at things. It’s probably not the best course of action. Throughout all those years, when I was hitting ground balls to second base and hitting as hard as I could, [Evan] Longoria would tell me to calm down. Now that I’m here, I understand why, early in my career, people said the things they did.
“Those small things add up over time.” I can still move sufficiently, though. I want to be a great defensive player, therefore I come in every year. I need speed and arm strength. The question is always, “What can I do to harm optimize my abilities? Every year, I put my all into achieving it. That’s what baseball is all about. For that reason, I remain here. Never be satisfied. Never content. never satisfied with what is. The best thing about being a part of such an amazing clubhouse is that.