MLB

Blue Jays’ Kevin Kiermaier plans to retire after 2024 season: ‘I’m at peace’

TORONTO — After 12 seasons within the majors, Toronto Blue Jays middle fielder Kevin Kiermaier mentioned he plans to retire after the 2024 season.

Kiermaier first advised Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Occasions on Wednesday, earlier than the Blue Jays defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 6-3, he had determined this season could be his final.

“I envisioned that this was going to be my final 12 months and right here I’m, with the way in which my physique feels and with the state of our crew and with what our report is, simply been doing numerous reflecting these days,” Kiermaier mentioned after the sport. “I didn’t suppose (Topkin) was going to ask me that or it will get blown up the way in which it did, however as soon as once more, I acquired nothing to cover and this shall be my final 12 months.”

The 34-year-old, who has struggled on the plate in his second season in Toronto, cited issues about how he feels bodily in addition to desirous to spend extra time along with his household — he’s anticipating a 3rd youngster in December — as a number of the causes behind his determination.

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“My physique has been speaking to me this 12 months greater than ever and having my third child in December, I do wish to be like a full-time dad in a approach,” he mentioned. “I’m at peace. I’m comfortable and it may be a shock to all you guys rightfully so, however for me, I form of knew this was going to be my final 12 months.”

Kiermaier spent 10 seasons enjoying for the Rays earlier than he joined the Blue Jays for the final two seasons. Throughout his profession, Kiermaier has established himself as one of many sport’s elite defensive middle fielders, successful 4 Gold Glove Awards in addition to the Platinum Glove Award in 2015. By means of Wednesday, he’s hit .246/.306/.403 over his profession.

A Thirty first-round choose in 2010, Kiermaier beat lengthy odds to not solely attain the most important leagues but in addition to gather 10 years of service time — a milestone he achieved this season.

“I’ve all the time tried to deal with myself properly on and off the sector and never attempt to convey any distractions or something like that,” Kiermaier mentioned. “I similar to to place my head down and play the sport arduous and I do know doing that and being a great teammate has created much more alternative than possibly what I’ve deserved all through my profession.

“However I’m very, very proud with how I got here (up), a Thirty first rounder, and possibly not anticipated to do a complete lot by lots of people, however all I mentioned I wanted was a chance and right here I’m 14 years later. Very pleased with what I’ve achieved and what I’ve completed, and as soon as once more, 2024 is just not over but, so see the way it performs out.”

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(Picture: Norm Corridor / Getty)

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