Former Rays Gold Glove outfielder joins the Blue Jays in a front office role

A leadership role? For Kevin Kiermaier? Who would've guessed? Only every single loyal Rays fan. From the moment this 31st round pick stepped onto an MLB field for the first time in 2013, everyone knew that he meant business.

The four-time Gold Glove winner and recent World Series champion has always been a fearless leader in how he portrays himself and the effort that he put into each opportunity. That's why it was such a surprise that he decided to leave the sport at the age of 34. However, this new job will be ideal for him as he continues to rejuvenate his competitive nature.

Blue Jays hire Kevin Kiermaier as Special Assistant

This would be a perfect time to commemorate Kiermaier's time with the Rays organization and how it can roll into his new role as Special Assistant. First of all, his specific tasks are not clearly defined, but it seems that he will be working mostly with the outfielders across Toronto's organization.

Blue Jays reporter Keegan Matheson stated that Kiermaier would like to be the "outfield whisperer" for the club. According to Matheson, Kiermaier expressed, "Let me offer my services here, from top to bottom in the organization. Let me show you what I can do. Let me be the outfield whisperer to these guys."

I'm sure some of these words resonate with the Rays front office as well. "Let me show you what I can do." As a late-round pick out of Parkland College, Kiermaier must've lived on that phrase to extend his playing time up until he became one of the best players in Rays franchise history.

The 6'1 center fielder was an incredible athlete. His hustle and abilities allowed him to make plays in the outfield that other players weren't even coming to close to. His offense was definitely his weakest attribute, but he ended his Tampa Bay tenure with a decent .248 average and 82 home runs in 10 seasons. Those numbers don't blow you away, but they were respectable considering all of the other ways he helped the team win.

Arguably, the most important trait that Kiermaier showed was his amazing leadership. The Rays are still missing his presence in their clubhouse today. A solid leader in the locker room that keeps the ship sailing through good times and bad is paramount.

Throughout the outfielder's long stint in Tampa, the Rays made the playoffs five times, appearing in the American League Division Series four times. Kiermaier also led this club to their second World Series in team history.

Heading into his new role in Toronto, we're positive that Kiermaier will benefit this organization however he can and display his work ethic on the front office side of the game. Best of luck in your new role, Kevin Kiermaier!