Kiermaier rejoins Blue Jays as special assistant, OF coach
Recently retired outfielder Kevin Kiermaier is back with the Toronto Blue Jays in a whole new role.
Kiermaier, who spent most of the last two seasons in Toronto, has joined the Blue Jays' front office as a special assistant to general manager Ross Atkins.
"I'd always make a joke with the guys about being a special assistant," the 34-year-old told Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. "I'd say, 'You guys are going to miss me, but I'll be a special assistant one day, and you'll love having me around.' It's funny how it came to fruition. I am just thrilled. This is the dream job of a lifetime. I cannot wait."
Kiermaier's primary duties in his new role will involve working as an outfield coach, starting next week at spring training. He will then act as a roving outfield defense instructor of sorts across all levels of the organization during the season.
The four-time Gold Glove winner will have plenty of wisdom to share, as he's considered one of the finest defensive outfielders ever. Kiermaier's 162 defensive runs saved are the most among center fielders since tracking began in 2003.
"I'm going to try to revolutionize outfield defense," he told Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. "I want to be the start of a new era, a new age, with the teaching and the drills that I can implement. It's been on my mind for years, and now it's coming to fruition. So, it lights me up. It's fun to think about."
Kiermaier originally joined the Blue Jays as a free agent in 2023 following 10 seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays, and he won a Gold Glove in his first season north of the border. He re-signed with Toronto last winter but announced his plans to retire in July. The Blue Jays shipped him to the Los Angeles Dodgers at the trade deadline, enabling him to retire as a World Series champion.
Kiermaier spoke with several teams, including the Rays, about a post-career role. Ultimately, the connections he made with Atkins and president Mark Shapiro, among others, were enough to lure him back to the Blue Jays.
"I can't thank them enough," Kiermaier told Matheson. "They've treated me great for years now. That's why I wanted to keep this relationship going. I love the people in this organization. There's too much potential and too much talent. There are too many great people to be away from for a year. I am thrilled."