TORONTO (AP) — Gold Glove-winning centerfielder Kevin Kiermaier finalized a $9 million, one-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday.
The 32-year-old slumped to a .228 average with seven homers and 22 RBIs in 63 games this year in a season cut short by left hip surgery in August. Tampa Bay declined a $13 million option for 2023.
“As a player you just want to feel wanted and no other team seemed to want me more than the Blue Jays,” Kiermaier said. “That appealed to me so much. They made me feel loved right from the start.”
George Springer could shift to right from center, and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. likely will remain in left.
“They want me manning center field out there and getting my rest when I need to,” Kiermeier said during a video news conference. “But there were no platoon talks or anything like that. It seems like it’s my job to lose, I guess you could say.
“I’m going to do everything in my power to go out there and play Gold Glove-caliber defense and do what I can offensively to just be a nice complement to an already great offensive team. I’ve got a lot more left in the tank.”
Kiermeier's addition followed the departure of slugger Teoscar Hernández, who was traded to Seattle. The Blue Jays also allowed outfielders Raimel Tapia and Bradley Zimmer to go free.
A three-time Gold Glove winner, Kiermaier has 82 homers, 316 RBIs and 112 stolen bases over 914 games, all with Tampa Bay.
Kiermaier said he is at about 90% as his recovery continues. He has resumed running, hitting and throwing.
“Come spring training and the regular season, I’ll be ready to roll,” he said. “I’m ready to run around and make a lot of great things happen.”
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The Associated Press
