Kevin Kiermaier Signs Free Agent Deal

After 10 years with the Tampa Bay Rays, outfielder Kevin Kiermaier played the 2023 season with the Toronto Blue Jays. Now, the four-time Gold Glove winner has decided to remain north of the border, signing a free agent deal once again with the Jays.

#BlueJays are in agreement with Kevin Kiermaier on a one-year, $10.5 million deal pending physical per source@Feinsand was on this. Deal includes some incentives
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) December 26, 2023

Kiermaier will earn $10.5 million on the new deal, giving him a raise from last year’s contract with Toronto, in which he earned $9 million.

The 33-year-old outfielder did everything that was asked of him with the Jays in 2023, including winning yet another Gold Glove in center. He led all of baseball in Defensive Runs Saved for a centerfielder with 18.

In addition, at the plate, he had his best season in six years, slashing .265/.322/.419 with eight home runs, six triples and 14 stolen bases in 129 games.

Per Jays beat writer Ben Nicholson–Smith, Kiermaier has the third best defensive runs saved total in the sport (152) over the past 10 years.

The signing likely takes the Jays out of the mix for notable free agent centerfielder Cody Bellinger.

Photo: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports