Kiermaier and Kiner-Falefa discuss joining Toronto
This is just the beginning of the Blue Jays offseason; the full picture is not shown here. However, general manager Ross Atkins focused much of his excitement on the current roster rather than on potential arrivals when he spoke on Wednesday. Atkins thinks that’s where the greatest advancements will come from.
These advancements will require the contributions of Kiermaier and Kiner-Falefa, each of whom offers the following:
What function will Kiner-Falefa play?
Really, it will depend on how much of our offseason we have left, Atkins stated. “The way we’re set up right now, there might be a possibility for him to receive a lot of at-bats at third base. That might alter.
In addition, Atkins listed numerous prospects who will be in camp vying for a spot at third base, including Santiago Espinal and Cavan Biggio. Kiner-Falefa, who has played shortstop, center field, and even catcher, possesses the uncommon ability to play all over the diamond. As the Yankees’ starting shortstop in 2022, Kiner-Falefa occasionally felt as though he was “stiffening up,” so he wants to concentrate on remaining loose and athletic in ’24, no matter where he plays.
“I think my best position is third base, hands down,” Kiner-Falefa remarked. “Playing third base requires no thought; I just need to show up and everything falls into place.” Only Kiner-Falefa’s HR (1)
What lured the Blue Jays’ Kiner-Falefa?
Teammate Kiner-Falefa: “My goal is to win.” That is the main concern. When I played in New York, I glanced across at Vladdy [Guerrero Jr.], Bo [Bichette], George [Springer], and every member of that team. I enjoyed playing defense against those guys when they were hitting, but I did not enjoy facing any of the pitchers. Bo and many other players in the league are not as hard on the ball as Vladdy is at hitting it. I knew this team was capable of winning.
Regarding the city, Kiner-Falefa said, “I was reared in Hawaii, so I was not exposed to large structures. During my time in New York, I developed a deep affection for the city and its fast-paced lifestyle, which most people attempt to escape. I enjoy living in a fast-paced environment because I was born in Hawaii, where things move slowly. Being part Samoan, 25% White, and 25% Japanese, I have a deep affinity for Asian cuisine and have never seen so many excellent Asian restaurants in one place. Toronto has a very diverse population.
What function will Kiermaier play?
Surprisingly, Kiermaier revealed that a lot of organizations in free agency thought of him as a fourth outfielder or part-time player. Although Kiermaier will turn 34 in April, he is still among the top defenders in the game and has had a stellar season by all measures at the plate. He should be able to fit into many lineups with some pop up at the top.
His 2023 role is back now that he’s returned.
Depending on his health and output, Atkins stated, “I would expect and hope that his role is largely similar, where he is playing very regularly for us.” “KK has performed admirably over his career for the past two companies. Having him around last year was beneficial to us. It’s so hard for someone to consistently deliver that kind of enthusiasm and happiness, yet KK manages to pull it off every day and night. Fans sensed it. We can feel it in our clubhouse. Every member of our team senses it.
One thing to be cautious of? After joking a year ago that his objective was to hit zero home runs and be the best No. 9 hitter in baseball, Kiermaier is now looking to bat for more power. He thinks he has another level to reach, and it’s clear that he believes this.
Why did Kiermaier choose to rejoin the Blue Jays?
Regarding his market, Kiermaier stated: “This year, my offers weren’t even close to last year—after I declared that I would be the best nine-hole hitter in the league and play defense worthy of a Gold Glove. I followed all of my instructions, but to my surprise, not many teams expressed interest.
The Blue Jays made Kiermaier a reasonable offer, for which he was “grateful,” and as that process progressed, he knew they were still interested in him. What came to Kiermaier’s mind as soon as the ink dried?