Kiermaier doesn't want to be next player Rays trade

Kevin Kiermaier is the Tampa Bay Rays' longest-serving player, and he wants to keep it that way.

Following the recent surfacing of his name in trade rumors, the outfielder said he would rather spend his entire career with the Rays than play for another team.

"Selfishly speaking, I'm glad I'm still a Ray," Kiermaier told Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. "Even to be brought up in trade rumors, it's one of those things you have to accept it, but it's not easy by any means. Because for a guy like me, the Rays are all I know. I've enjoyed being a part of this community since Day 1."

The 30-year-old enters 2021 as Tampa Bay's highest-paid player, earning $11.5 million. The Rays, who declined Charlie Morton's $15-million option and traded Blake Snell and his $11-million salary this offseason, have a reputation for putting feelings about their players aside and shedding payroll if it's the right business move.

"You have to be realistic in these situations and see the business side of things. I totally understand it," Kiermaier said. "But if I had it my way, I would never put on a different uniform in my career. It just doesn't always work like that. It's very rare to see nowadays."

Kiermaier could be an option for teams that fail to sign Jackie Bradley Jr., who remains the top free-agent outfielder after George Springer signed with the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Rays outfielder is considered one of the game's best defenders. He's a three-time Gold Glove winner and took home American League Platinum Glove honors in 2015.