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Kevin Kiermaier

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Kevin Kiermaier
Kiermaier with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2014
Center fielder
Born: (1990-04-22) April 22, 1990 (age 34)
Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S.
Batted: Left
Threw: Right
MLB debut
September 30, 2013, for the Tampa Bay Rays
Last MLB appearance
September 28, 2024, for the Los Angeles Dodgers
MLB statistics
Batting average.246
Home runs95
Runs batted in378
Stolen bases132
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Kevin James Kiermaier (/ˈkɪərmaɪ.ər/; born April 22, 1990) is an American former professional baseball player who played eleven seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), primarily with the Tampa Bay Rays. Known for his strong defense, Kiermaier won the Gold Glove Award for center fielders in 2015, 2016, 2019 and 2023, and the Platinum Glove Award in 2015.

Kiermaier was part of amateur championship teams at both the high school and college levels. His high school won a state championship in Indiana, and his team earned a National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) national championship at Parkland College, where he was twice named an NJCAA All-American. Kiermaier made his MLB debut on September 30, 2013 – also game 163 of the regular season, and a wild-card tiebreaker game. He played for the Rays through 2022, and concluded his career with stints on the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Career

Amateur career, draft, and minor leagues

Kiermaier attended Bishop Luers High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana,[1] and played for the school's baseball team. Bishop Luers won the state championship in Kiermaier's senior year. After being recruited by college programs for their football teams and almost committing to attend Purdue University, Kiermaier opted to play college baseball and enrolled at Parkland College instead, where he competed in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). As a freshman, Parkland won the NJCAA National Championship. Kiermaier was named a NJCAA All-American in his two years at Parkland.[2]

The Tampa Bay Rays selected Kiermaier in the 31st round of the 2010 Major League Baseball (MLB) draft. Purdue again offered Kiermaier a scholarship, but he decided to sign with the Rays instead of transferring to Purdue.[2] Kiermaier spent the 2013 season in Double–A and Triple–A, and was named the best defensive player in the Rays' organization and the Most Valuable Player of the Montgomery Biscuits of the Double–A Southern League.[3] With Montgomery, he played 97 games, batting .307 with five home runs and 28 RBI. In Triple–A, he played 39 games with the Durham Bulls, batting .263 with a home run and 13 RBI.[4]

Tampa Bay Rays

2013

Considering him the top defensive outfielder in their organization – including the major league club and all their minor league affiliates[4] – the Tampa Bay Rays activated Kiermaier to both the 40- and 25-man rosters for the first time on September 30, 2013.[5] He made his major league debut in that evening's wild card tie-breaker game – the Rays' 163rd game of the season – and played one inning against the Texas Rangers in the ninth as a defensive replacement.[6] Rays general manager Andrew Friedman commented that the club included Kiermaier on the major league roster late that season specifically for his defense in center field. He played two innings in the 2013 American League Wild Card Game against the Cleveland Indians, which was his only postseason appearance that year.[7] That winter, Baseball America rated him the tenth-best prospect in the Rays' minor league system.[8]

2014

On May 18, 2014, Kiermaier hit his first major league home run against Mike Morin of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.[9] He finished 2014 hitting .263 with 10 home runs in 108 games[10] and was one of the finalists for the Gold Glove Award for American League right fielders.[11]

2015

Kiermaier in 2015

In a game at Tropicana Field against the Kansas City Royals on August 29, 2015, Kiermaier was involved in a failed but humorous attempt to rob designated hitter Kendrys Morales of a home run.[12] Morales hit a fly ball which appeared to be clearing the center field fence for a home run. Kiermaier leapt and momentarily perched himself upright on the top of the fence and waited to catch the ball before it landed. However, it dropped approximately 30 feet (9.1 m) in front of the fence, and Kiermaier watched it bounce as he continued to cling to the fence. The ball had deflected off one of the catwalks suspended from the roof, and, in accordance with park rules, the umpires awarded a home run to Morales.[13]

One of 15 MLB outfielders to register a throw back into the infield at or above 100 miles per hour (160 km/h) in 2015, Kiermaier led all MLB outfielders by reaching 100 MPH nine times, while all others combined to reach that speed 27 times.[14]

Kiermaier finished the 2015 season leading all major league fielders in Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) with 42, the highest number since the start of calculations of the statistic [citation needed] and batted .263 with 10 home runs and 40 RBI in 150 games.[15] He garnered 5.0 defensive Wins Above Replacement (WAR), fourth all-time according to Baseball-Reference.com.[16] His overall 7.3 WAR ranked third in the American League behind Mike Trout and Josh Donaldson.[17] Kiermaier won his first each of the Fielding Bible Award for MLB center fielders,[18] Gold Glove Award for American League center fielders, and[19] the American League Platinum Glove Award, awarded to the best overall defensive player in each league.[20]

2016

Kiermaier in 2016 with the Rays

Improving upon the previous season's results as a hitter, Kiermaier began the 2016 season by decreasing his strikeout rate, nearly doubling his walk rate, and increasing his power. In a 5–4 loss to the Detroit Tigers on May 21, he fractured two bones in his left hand while attempting to catch a sinking line drive off the bat of James McCann.[21] After undergoing surgery to repair the fractures, he was medically cleared to resume limited workouts on May 27.[22]

Despite missing significant time, Kiermaier was once again one of the best defenders in all of baseball, leading all center fielders with 25 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) despite playing in almost 400 innings less than the next player on the list, Kevin Pillar. Kiermaier also paced all major leaguers with a 2.95 dWAR (defensive wins above replacement).[23]

Kiermaier finished the season hitting .246 with 12 home runs in 105 games. He also stole 21 bases.[24] He was awarded with his second Gold Glove Award.[25]

2017

Prior to the 2017 season, Kiermaier signed a 6-year, $53.5 million extension with the Rays.[26] On June 9, it was revealed that Kiermaier had suffered a hairline fracture in his right hip after sliding into first base in a previous game. He was ruled out for at least two months.[27] On August 18, Kiermaier returned to the lineup, batting lead off in a game against the Seattle Mariners.[28] After a second straight injury shortened season, Kiermaier was still able to produce in the top tier of defensive players. He came in second place in Defensive Runs Saved at center field with 22, a career low, and short only of the Minnesota Twins' Byron Buxton, who led with 24 Defensive Runs Saved, with Kiermaier having played in more than 300 fewer innings than did Buxton.[29] Offensively, Kiermaier slashed .276/.338/.450 with 15 home runs and 16 stolen bases; all but the stolen bases were career highs, even though he played in a career low 98 regular season games.[30] Kiermaier was not eligible for the Gold Glove Award because he did not reach the innings requirement for his team's first 138 games. This was the first time he was not named a finalist for the award.[31]

2018

On April 15, Kiermaier injured his thumb on the right hand while sliding to second base and left the game. The next day, MRIs revealed that Kiermaier's right thumb had a torn ligament, ruling him out for up to 3 months.[32] He returned on June 19 against the Houston Astros.[33][34] Kiermaier finished the 2018 season playing only in 88 games, hitting .217 with 7 home runs and 29 RBIs. His nine triples was third in the American league. Kiermaier was named Wilson Defensive Player of the Year for centerfield despite his injuries.[35]

2019

In 2019, he had the best jump of all major league outfielders (3.8 feet vs average).[36] Once again, Kiermaier led center fielders in defensive runs saved with 13.[37] He won his third Gold Glove Award, tying Evan Longoria for the most in franchise history. He became the third outfielder since 2011 to win three Gold Glove awards (Adam Jones, Ender Inciarte).[38] In game 3 of the American League Division Series against the Houston Astros, Kiermaier hit a three-run home run.[39]

2020

By the 2020 season, Kiermaier had become the longest tenured Ray and the only active player who had been managed by franchise legend Joe Maddon.[40] On July 26, Kiermaier hit a walk-off triple against the Toronto Blue Jays.[41] He finished the season batting .217 with 3 home runs and 8 stolen bases.[42] According to FanGraphs, Kiermaier led all center fielders in UZR (7.7), UZR/150 (30.7), and assists (6), while being second in defensive runs saved (10) behind only Byron Buxton (11).[43] The Rays finished the season with the best record in the American League. Before the start of the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees, Kiermaier commented on the rivalry by saying “They don’t like us, we don’t like them, and it’s going to continue to stay that way". This comment was in response to when Aroldis Chapman threw at the head of Mike Brosseau just six weeks prior.[44] In game 3 of the ALDS against the Yankees, Kiermaier hit a go-ahead three-run home run, as the Rays went on to win both the game and the series.[45] In the American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros, Kiermaier got hit in the hand by a pitch and was unable to start in games 4, 5, and 6. He did, however, return for game 7 as the Rays defeated the Astros and advanced to the World Series.[46] In the 2020 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Kiermaier hit a home run against Clayton Kershaw, although the Dodgers prevailed as baseball champions.[47]

2021

In 2021, Kiermaier batted .259/.328/.388 with four home runs, 37 RBIs, 54 runs scored and nine stolen bases in 122 games.[30] Following the season, in November 2021, Kiermaier underwent arthroscopic knee surgery.[48]

2022

On April 23, 2022, a day after his 32nd birthday, Kiermaier hit his first career walk-off home run, in the 10th inning of a game against the Red Sox, to win 3–2.[49] Rays manager Kevin Cash stated on July 25 that Kiermaier would undergo surgery for a hip injury dating back to July 9, and miss the remainder of the season.[50] On November 10, the Rays declined Kiermaier's $13 million club option for 2023, making him a free agent.[51]

Toronto Blue Jays

2023

On December 14, 2022, Kiermaier signed a one-year, $9 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.[52] In 129 games for Toronto in 2023, he batted .265/.322/.419 with 8 home runs, 36 RBI, and 14 stolen bases.[30] On November 5, 2023, Kiermaier won his 4th career Gold Glove Award, edging out the other two American League center field nominees, Julio Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners and Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox.[53] Kiermaier’s contract expired at the conclusion of the 2023 season, making him a free agent.

2024

On December 28, 2023, Kiermaier re-signed with the Blue Jays on a one-year contract worth $10.5 million.[54][55] On July 24, 2024, Kiermaier announced that he would be retiring following the 2024 season.[56] In 81 games for Toronto, he batted .195/.236/.310 with four home runs, 18 RBI, and five stolen bases.[57]

Los Angeles Dodgers

On July 30, 2024, the Blue Jays traded Kiermaier to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for Ryan Yarbrough.[58][59] In 34 games, he batted .203.[30] Kiermaier appeared in four games in the 2024 NLCS, primarily as a late game defensive replacement, though he did have two at-bats.[30] He was left off the 2024 World Series roster;[60] however, the Dodgers would go on to win the World Series, earning Kiermaier his only championship. He announced in July that 2024 would be his last MLB season.[61]

Personal life

Kiermaier proposed to girlfriend Marisa Moralobo on February 11, 2017.[62] They married on November 10, 2017, in St. Petersburg, Florida.[63] Their first child, a son, was born in November 2018.[64]

Kiermaier's older brother, Dan, is the head groundskeeper for the Chicago Cubs.[65]

References

  1. ^ Marini, Glenn. "Kevin Kiermaier talks about MLB debut". Wane.com. Archived from the original on October 2, 2013. Retrieved December 11, 2013.
  2. ^ a b "Championships and defense jump-started Kevin Kiermaier's career". smokiesonradio.com. April 22, 2013. Retrieved December 11, 2013.
  3. ^ Topkin, Marc (September 30, 2013). "Rays' Kevin Kiermaier thrilled to get first big-league callup". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved December 11, 2013.
  4. ^ a b Chastain, Bill (January 21, 2014). "Rays have high hopes for Kiermaier: Only 23, outfield prospect draws high praise about defensive abilities". MLB.com. Retrieved November 28, 2015.
  5. ^ Topkin, Marc (September 30, 2013). "Jennings in lineup, Kiermaier called up". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on September 9, 2017. Retrieved December 11, 2013.
  6. ^ Grauer, Scott (October 1, 2013). "Now fielding for the Rays: Kevin Kiermaier". SB Nation. Retrieved October 1, 2013.
  7. ^ Sullivan, Jeff (September 4, 2015). "Rays' Kiermaier might be having best defensive season we know of". FOX Sports. Retrieved November 28, 2015.
  8. ^ "Tampa Bay Rays prospect history". The Baseball Cube. Archived from the original on November 21, 2015. Retrieved November 28, 2015.
  9. ^ "Albert Pujols homers twice off David Price as Angels defeat Rays". ESPN.com. Associated Press. May 18, 2014. Retrieved November 27, 2015.
  10. ^ "Kevin Kiermaier Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 12, 2015.
  11. ^ "Rawlings announces 2014 Gold Glove finalists". CBSSports.com. CBS Sports. October 23, 2014. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  12. ^ Clair, Michael (August 28, 2015). "Kevin Kiermaier left hanging on Morales' catwalk home run". Major League Baseball. Retrieved August 26, 2018.
  13. ^ NESN Staff (August 29, 2015). "Kevin Kiermaier fooled by Tropicana Field catwalk in Rays-Royals (Video)". New England Sports Network. Retrieved September 4, 2015.
  14. ^ Fagerstrom, August (November 10, 2015). "The outfielders who threw 100". Fangraphs. Retrieved February 7, 2016.
  15. ^ "MLB.com - Kevin Kiermaier".
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  17. ^ "2015 Major League Baseball batting leaders". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved February 13, 2016.
  18. ^ Dewan, John (November 1, 2015). "The 2015 Fielding Bible Awards". Bill James Online. Retrieved February 7, 2016.
  19. ^ Miller, Doug (November 10, 2015). "Defensive standouts nab Gold Glove Awards". MLB.com. Archived from the original on April 13, 2016. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
  20. ^ Newman, Mark (November 14, 2015). "Yadi, Kiermaier secure Platinum Gloves". MLB.com. Retrieved November 14, 2015.
  21. ^ Corcoran, Cliff (May 21, 2016). "Three Strikes: Kevin Kiermaier injury another hit to Rays; more notes". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved May 29, 2016.
  22. ^ Blum, Sam (May 27, 2016). "Injured Kiermaier trying not to sweat time off: Center fielder has activity limited with fractured left hand, focused on return". MLB.com. Retrieved May 29, 2016.
  23. ^ Fagerstrom, August (October 3, 2016). "The 2016 American League Gold Gloves, by the Numbers". Fangraphs.com. Retrieved October 6, 2016.
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  25. ^ Oz, Mike (November 8, 2016). "Honor thy glove: Here are this year's Gold Glove winners". YahooSports.com. Retrieved November 11, 2016.
  26. ^ Adams, Steve (March 15, 2017). "Rays, Kevin Kiermaier Agree To Six-Year Extension". Retrieved March 16, 2017.
  27. ^ Adler, David. "Hip injury will sideline Kevin Kiermaier 2 months". MLB. Archived from the original on August 19, 2017. Retrieved June 9, 2017.
  28. ^ "Kevin Kiermaier will return to the Rays tonight". DRaysBay. Retrieved August 19, 2017.
  29. ^ "Major League Leaderboards » 2017 » Center Fielders » Fielding Statistics | FanGraphs Baseball". Retrieved October 13, 2017.
  30. ^ a b c d e "Kevin Kiermaier Stats | Baseball-Reference.com". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved October 13, 2017.
  31. ^ "Rays Alex Cobb, Evan Longoria named finalists for Gold Gloves". October 26, 2017. Retrieved November 1, 2017.
  32. ^ "Kevin Kiermaier needs thumb surgery, out 3 months". MLB. Retrieved April 16, 2018.
  33. ^ Topkin, Marc (June 19, 2018). "Rays' Kevin Kiermaier returns, with energy to spare". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved August 26, 2018.
  34. ^ Staff (June 19, 2018). "Rays' Kevin Kiermaier: Activated Tuesday, starting in center field". CBS Sports. Retrieved August 26, 2018.
  35. ^ "Kevin Kiermaier Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  36. ^ "Statcast Outfielder Jump Leaderboard | baseballsavant.com". Baseballsavant.mlb.com. Retrieved October 9, 2019.
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  38. ^ "Kevin Kiermaier wins third Gold Glove Award". MLB.com. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  39. ^ "A 3-run HR in ALDS G3? Kiermaier's specialty". MLB.com. Retrieved October 22, 2020.
  40. ^ "2014 Tampa Bay Rays Roster by Baseball Almanac". www.baseball-almanac.com. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  41. ^ "Blue Jays vs. Rays | 07/26/20". MLB.com. Retrieved October 22, 2020.
  42. ^ "Kevin Kiermaier Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved October 22, 2020.
  43. ^ "Major League Leaderboards » 2020 » Center Fielders » Fielding Statistics | FanGraphs Baseball". www.fangraphs.com. Retrieved October 22, 2020.
  44. ^ Martin, Colin (October 2, 2020). "Rays' Kevin Kiermaier on Yankees rivalry: 'They don't like us, we don't like them, and it's going to continue to stay that way'". SNY.tv. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
  45. ^ "A 3-run HR in ALDS G3? Kiermaier's specialty". MLB.com. Retrieved October 22, 2020.
  46. ^ "Rays' Kevin Kiermaier sore after being hit by pitch". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved October 22, 2020.
  47. ^ "Bad nights are starting to accumulate for the Rays in October". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved October 22, 2020.
  48. ^ "Rays' Kevin Kiermaier undergoes knee surgery". Tampa Bay Times.
  49. ^ "Red Sox vs. Rays - Box Score - April 23, 2022". Retrieved April 23, 2022.
  50. ^ "Tampa Bay Rays rule center fielder Kevin Kiermaier, catcher Mike Zunino out for season with injuries". ESPN.com. Associated Press. July 25, 2022. Retrieved July 26, 2022.
  51. ^ "Kiermaier bids farewell after Rays decline club option for '23". mlb.com. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  52. ^ "Kiermaier sees centre field as 'my job to lose'". MLB.com.
  53. ^ "LIVE: Gold Glove Award winners unveiled (ESPN)". MLB.com. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
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  55. ^ "Kevin Kiermaier staying with Blue Jays on 1-year, $10.5M deal". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 28, 2023. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  56. ^ "Jays' Kevin Kiermaier 'at peace' with retiring after season". ESPN.com. Associated Press. July 24, 2024. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
  57. ^ "Dodgers Outfielder to Retire Following Conclusion of 2024 Season". si.com. Retrieved August 2, 2024.
  58. ^ Toribio, Juan (July 30, 2024). "Dodgers get Flaherty from Tigers, Kiermaier from Jays". mlb.com. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  59. ^ Gonzalez, Alden (July 30, 2024). "Dodgers add Jack Flaherty, Kevin Kiermaier via deadline trades". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
  60. ^ Farkas, Brady (October 25, 2024). "Former Tampa Bay Rays Star Left Off World Series Roster For Los Angeles Dodgers". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved October 27, 2024.
  61. ^ "Kiermaier to retire after '24 season: 'When you know, you know'". MLB.com.
  62. ^ "Rays OF Kevin Kiermaier pulls off perfect engagement". USA Today. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
  63. ^ "Rays' Kevin Kiermaier gets married". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
  64. ^ "There's another KK in town – Karter James Kiermaier". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved July 15, 2019.
  65. ^ Marini, Glenn (July 19, 2016). "Dan Kiermaier: The Road To Wrigley". WANE-TV. Retrieved August 26, 2018.
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