The Toronto Blue Jays addressed one of their outfield holes on Saturday by agreeing to a deal with veteran Kevin Kiermeier, according to Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi. not.
Kiermaier spent his entire career with the Tampa Bay Rays, making a name for himself as the best defensive outfielder in the majors. He has won his three Gold His Glove Awards and in 2015 the American League He won a Platinum Glove Award.
The 32-year-old has never delivered much on offense as evidenced by his .248/.308/.407 batting averages to date. 228 batting average and . 649 OPS in his 2022, but his hip injury limited him to 63 games. His speed on base should be an asset to manager John Schneider, but he’s not a traditional base stealer.
After trading Teoscar Hernandez in November and cutting ties with both Lymel Tapia and Bradley Zimmer, Toronto’s outfield has dried up this offseason. Jackie Bradley Jr. also achieved free agency, leaving George Springer and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. as the two established outfielders on the roster.Utility players Witt his Merrifield and Cavan his Biggio. can also be selected if desired.
Depending on how the rest of the winter unfolds, Keemeyer may not be up to the job every day, but he could provide the Blue Jays with a glove-first centerfielder and move Springer in right field to keep the star healthier. give more time. He also hits left-handed, which complements Toronto’s right-handed lineup.
With the Blue Jays looking solidly competitive, at least one starter should be on General Manager Ross Atkins’ shopping list, along with another outfielder.
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