Kevin Kiermaier to Retire After 2024 Season
TORONTO — Longtime Rays and current Blue Jays centerfielder Kevin Kiermaier has announced his plan to retire at the end of the 2024 season. “This is it, 2024 is it for me,” Kiermaier told the Tampa Bay Times before Wednesday’s game against the Rays. He acknowledged the potential for an interesting week regarding a possible trade but confirmed that this will be his final year playing. “I’m going to give it my all the rest of the year regardless of what situation I’m in. But my body is talking to me now more than ever.”
Kiermaier, 34, has had an 11-season career (plus one game in 2013) in the majors, earning four Gold Glove awards and one Platinum Glove. He was twice named Wilson Defensive Player of the Year and finished in the top 10 in American League MVP voting in 2015. Known for his leaping and diving catches, he has created a significant highlight reel over the years.
Reflecting on his decision, Kiermaier cited wear and tear on his body as the primary reason. “The way I reflect on it, the product I put on the field now still can be good, but the effort it takes to get it to what I’ve been used to all those years, with my speed and defense and arm and everything, it’s tough,” he said. With his third child due in December, he feels it’s time to step back and focus on his family.
Kiermaier’s journey from a 31st-round draft pick in 2010 to a four-time Gold Glove winner has been remarkable. He turned into a key player and leader with the Rays, earning roughly $70 million over his career. “I’m very proud and very happy,” Kiermaier said. “It’s just been the best journey I could ever ask for.”
Rays manager Kevin Cash, who learned of Kiermaier’s decision earlier in the week, praised his career. “What a career,” Cash said. “How fortunate I was to watch for eight years to see the best centerfielder in baseball roam our outfield, making highlight play after highlight play. He got big hits for us and developed into a positive influence and leader for many young players.”
Kiermaier left the Rays when they declined his option for the 2023 season and signed with the Blue Jays, with whom he re-signed this season. His career 31.7 WAR rating with the Rays ranks fourth in franchise history, behind Evan Longoria, Carl Crawford, and Ben Zobrist.
Kiermaier is proud of his leadership role with the Rays. “Those guys made me feel comfortable when I first got called up, and then I’m leading our postgame chants a couple years later and viewed as a team leader,” he said. “I wasn’t the best player on the field, but my teammates knew they could count on me to lead the way each and every night.”
Playing on artificial turf at Tropicana Field and Rogers Centre was also a factor in his decision. “I’d say I deserve an award for playing on turf the way I have the last 11 years,” he said. Despite the physical toll, he would play the same way again.
Kiermaier said he and his wife, Marisa, their two sons and a daughter expected in December plan to stay in the Tampa Bay area. He would like to remain involved in the game, perhaps providing individual coaching with outfielders — ”an outfield whisperer,” he suggested — and/or working as a special assistant.
