Kevin Kiermaier has announced that the 2024 MLB season will be his last. The veteran outfielder, whose career kicked off in 2013, confirmed his retirement plans in a recent chat with the Tampa Bay Times.
“This is it, 2024 is it for me,” Kiermaier stated. “I’m committed to giving it my all this year, but I can feel my body reminding me it’s time.”
While Kiermaier was still with the Toronto Blue Jays, he was recently traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers just before the trade deadline. This move offers him a shot at competing for a playoff spot in his final MLB season.
More news: Check out the MLB Power Rankings post-trade deadline, where the Yankees leapfrog the Phillies for the top spot.
Kiermaier’s journey began when he was selected in the 31st round of the 2010 MLB Draft by the Tampa Bay Rays. After limited appearances in 2013, he became a regular starter, showcasing his talent in 108 games in 2014 and 151 in 2015.
He spent most of his career with the Rays until moving to the Blue Jays in 2023, and now, at 34, he’s with the Dodgers. Throughout his tenure, Kiermaier has established himself as one of the league’s premier defensive outfielders, earning four Gold Gloves and one Platinum Glove in 2015.
Though his defense has remained stellar this season—ranking in the 97th percentile for outs above average and the 96th percentile for arm strength—his batting numbers have dipped. With the Blue Jays, Kiermaier hit just .195 this year, accumulating four home runs and 18 RBIs over 81 games.
The Dodgers have been struggling to find consistent defense in center field, making Kiermaier’s acquisition a potential game-changer as he steps into a more prominent role. He also has postseason experience, having played in 31 playoff games, including one World Series appearance in 2020.
In this final season, Kiermaier looks forward to the chance of obtaining that elusive World Series ring.