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Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Kiermaier announced on Wednesday that he will retire at the end of the season. MLB fans across the country subsequently sent their best wishes over social media. The 34-year-old veteran spent the majority of his career with the Tampa Bay Rays and had a comeback season with the Blue Jays last year.
However, Kiermaier has struggled to replicate that form this year and has gone unclaimed after being placed on waivers earlier this month. Nonetheless, fans remember his Golden Glove-winning performances over the years and paid their respects after he announced his plan to retire at the end of the season.
"The retirement tour begins."
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Other fans hailed Keirmaier's impressive defensive prowess over the years that landed him four Golden Gloves in his career.
"Top 3 defensive players in the last 10 years," wrote @WhineryNathan on X.
"An outfield legend and he will be missed," added @xChristinaJ.
"I hope TB retires your number," wrote @JohnnyWu737047.
Kevin Kiermaier was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2010 MLB Draft and went on to make his major league debut with them in September 2013. He was considered the top defensive player in the organization and soon proved his prowess on the field. He spent 10 seasons with the Rays, building a reputation as one of the best outfielders in the league.
After struggling with injuries in the 2021 and 2022 season, Kiermaier signed with the Toronto Blue Jays for 2023 and put up impressive numbers in his first season. However, he is currently holding a disappointing .195 average this year and is one of the prime candidates to be offloaded before the trade deadline.
Kevin Kiermaier hints at possible trade move ahead of next week's deadline
While Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Kiermaier has announced his retirement at the end of the season, the veteran also hinted at a possible move ahead of the upcoming trade deadline. Speaking to the Tampa Bay Times on Wednesday, he revealed his decision to retire and added:
"This next week will be very interesting."
The former Rays star was placed of waivers earlier this month but remained unclaimed. However, there is still a week left before the trade deadline and some rumors suggest the Cincinnati Reds may be interested in his services.
