Kevin Kiermaier retires: a tribute to the former Rays' Gold Glover

On Wednesday, Kevin Kiermaier announced to Tampa Bay Times Rays' reporter Marc Topkin that he will retire after the 2024 season. Kiermaier is currently in his second season with the Toronto Blue Jays after leaving Tampa Bay to play in Canada.

Prior to his current homestead in Toronto, Kiermaier spent 10 of what will be his 12-year career with the Rays in Tampa Bay. In 2010, the Rays drafted him in the 31st round out of Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois. In 2013, he would make his debut for the Rays against the Texas Rangers as a replacement in the field late in the game.

If Tampa Bay Rays fans know anything about Kiermaier, it is that he was known for his defensive heroics. And during his 10 seasons in Tampa Bay, he made it clear why his defense was truly the name of his game.

While in St. Pete he was able to rack up 3 Gold Glove awards (2015, 2016, 2019) which are given to the best players in the American League at their respective fielding position. Kiermaier also earned a fourth Gold Glove just last season for the Blue Jays. In 2015, he also earned a Platinum Glove, which is given to the best defensive player in the American League.

Kiermaier's fielding percentage has not fallen below .976 in his entire career. His elite defense kept him coming back to Tampa Bay and being a part of some great teams. During his time roaming center field with the Rays, the team went to the postseason five times. This included him being a member of the historic 2020 American League championship team that got to the second ever World Series in Tampa Bay history. The Rays also won the AL East title in back-to-back seasons in 2020 and 2021 with him on the team.

Kiermaier's impact with the Tampa Bay Rays cannot be understated. His defensive prowess and loaded trophy case for himself and with the Rays has earned him the status of being a cult hero player for the organization. He was a part of the start to all of the postseason appearances the team has made over the course of the past several seasons.

In short, the Rays will be grateful for everything Kiermaier has done and he should be proud of himself for having a great career. A career that many baseball players dream of.