The Rays announced they’ve officially declined their option over outfielder Kevin Kiermaier. Kiermaier collects a $2.5MM buyout and heads to free agency for the first time in his career.
There hasn’t much suspense with this decision, as reports emerged in early August that Tampa Bay would buy the center fielder out. That would’ve been an easy call for any team, as Kiermaier would otherwise have been in line for a $13MM salary next year. He’s coming off season-ending surgery to repair the labrum in his left hip. With a $10.5MM gap between the option value and the buyout price, cutting him loose was a particularly easy call for a Rays club that consistently runs one of the league’s lower payrolls.
The move could officially end Kiermaier’s 10-year tenure in Tampa Bay. One of the game’s best defensive outfielders at his peak, he’s collected three Gold Glove awards in his career. The Rays have long placed an emphasis on strong defense, and that focus was baked into the club’s decision to sign Kiermaier to a $53.5MM extension back in 2017. He’s battled injuries and typically been a below-average hitter over that stretch, but he’s continued to play spectacular defense when healthy enough to take the field.
Both Kiermaier and Rays executives have expressed an openness to continuing their relationship, although that’d certainly come at a lower price point than the value of the option. Meanwhile, Bob Nightengale of USA Today suggests the Cardinals could have some interest in Kiermaier as a free agent. St. Louis already has Dylan Carlson as their primary center fielder, meaning Kiermaier would likely be a fourth outfield target if the Cards did reach out to his representatives at Reynolds Sports Management.
It’s possible Kiermaier may find better opportunities to play every day in center field elsewhere. He’s headed into his age-33 season and coming off a disappointing .228/.281/.369 showing in 221 plate appearances before the hip surgery. Yet he’s also still one of the sport’s better defensive outfielders, and he’s arguably the second-best center fielder available in a weak free agent class. Excepting top free agent Aaron Judge, who’s better suited for right field long-term, only Brandon Nimmo looks like a slam-dunk regular to play center field next year. Nimmo’s likely to command a nine-figure contract of his own, and Kiermaier is alongside players like Jackie Bradley Jr. and Adam Duvall as the next tier of options. The Dodgers could non-tender Cody Bellinger, which would cut loose a plus defender coming off a couple seasons of offensive struggles, but the options aren’t robust for teams looking for outside help in center field.
ajrodz1335
Please sign KK to a 5 year 5 Mil deal… he needs to stay plz
alwaysgo4two
He’s going to ask for a multiyear deal averaging around 8 to 10. Elite D but poor O.
keysox
He may ask but he no get. Can’t hit. Should get 2/10
C Yards Jeff
Agreed. 2/10 sounds about right. Bring him back. And maybe Longoria too who can play some 3rd and first. Both guys will help keep the Rays playoff relevant.
iverbure
Looks like the jays CF next year. Don’t worry about the bat. You don’t need a above average hitter in every spot in the lineup to win.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Informal Blogger Poll
Who will get larger contract?
Kiermaier
Bellinger
Profar
Wil Myers
IMHO none deserve more than two years 8 million annual value
Bledcam
If I were guessing:
Bellinger
Profar
Kiermaier
Myers
In that order.
Bryzzo2016
Bellinger. KK was never a good ML hitter, Profar has been overrated since he came up w/Texas. Meyers is washed, but some GM will jump on Bellinger.
deweybelongsinthehall
KK can still pick it when he’s able to stay on the field. His bat has also hurt the Sox. Would love for Bloom to sign him for one year as a 4th or platoon right bat outfielder.
King Floch
I’ll say Profar but none are all that appealing unless you just need a guy and don’t have a guy ready to be a guy on the farm.
LatentWarrior
You don’t even know who Kiermaier is do you? I agree with the rest, but have you actually watched Kevin play?
drasco036
Profar will go number one in terms of over all value because he will get a multi year deal.
Bellinger will come in two because ultimately he will seek a one year deal. Although he could seek out a pillow contract, 3 years 27 million with an opt out after one.
Myers will get a larger aav than kiermaier. KK could get a two year deal but I feel both will settle for one year contracts.
LatentWarrior
How do you see Profar as number 1? Whether multi year or not, he’s clearly not the same caliber player as Belliner, let alone Kiermaier. I don’t even think he’d out value Myers. Career totals are well below average with a steady decline in recent years. Defensively – he’s bottom rung with some capability to surprise a fan or 2 with a lucky play.
DonOsbourne
1. Profar
2.Bellinger
3.Myers
4.Kiermaier
LatentWarrior
Profar at the top? But…. why? Just because? Are you a 10 year old from DR?
LatentWarrior
The problem with your train of thought is the presupposition that Kiermaier belongs on one of these lists. You’d compare his talent to the likes of Myers, Profar, and Bellinger – you’d have to be high to do that seriously or just seriously uninformed and flippant. Bellinger has a decent list of accomplishments, but posted .210/.265/.389 overall in 2022 and is overall nowhere near the defensive prowess that KK’s got (unless you’re just not familiar with KK’s dominance). And what have Profar and Myers ever really accomplished besides playing for high exposure teams and building a decent fan base? Profar in 2022: .243/.331/.391; Myers in 2022: .261/.315/.398. So please forgive me if I don’t buy into the “he can’t bat” justification. KK is elite, he makes plays, and he has an absolute cannon which is second to none. He’s got speed and smarts – even the way he plays the catch is levels above the others (yes, even Judge). And you guys would put Kiermaier at the bottom of that list – something doesn’t add up there…
Sure Kiermaier doesn’t have the batting ability of Harper, Trout, or Judge, but neither do the vast majority of all the other CFs and OFs in the game, look at Stanton or Soto for example. Defensively the differences between Kiermaier, Harper, and Trout seem to be in Kev’s favor.
How do you think Soto feels about turning down the Nats offer given his post season performance with el Padres? Is he still worth more than that $440 mil he walked away from? Soto with the Padres: .236/388/.390. Where does Soto rank on your list after his abysmal 2022 performance (man, he puts on a pretty good show though huh?) Sure, sure keep telling yourself that he’ll bounce back… but to what extent and for how long?
Yeah, I think we could start making all sorts of lists, but I don’t think any of them really matter unless we’re making a list of “Stars” that bring more shame than talent like Barry Bonds, Fernando Tatis Jr,, Robinson Cano, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Manny Ramirez, etc.; but that’s not the type of list on which KK will ever find himself.
SonnySteele
Kiermaier did well for being a 31st round pick in 2010.
cuban363566
Marlins are in need of a CF, and they love handing money to 30+ year olds with no hitting ability, someone let Ng know heres her guy.
southern lion
Kiermaier has always been a very good defender, but he’s also made of glass and breaks easily.
LatentWarrior
In what regard does he break easily? Compared to whom? I’ve not seen this extensive list of injuries that are indicative of those made of glass… Definitely not on IL more than the average.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Soler will bounce back in 2023, but he is best suited as the DH
Rsox
Being that CF is a massive void league wide Kiermaier can ask for and probably get at least a 2 year deal somewhere
Lefty_Orioles_Fan
Kevin Kiermaier brings death to fly balls and the Orioles should consider him, but only if he is healthy
King Floch
Ryan McKenna does what KK does at a fraction of the cost and he doesn’t get injured every 5 minutes.
Lefty_Orioles_Fan
He doesn’t have the arm that KK does
King Floch
McKenna’s arm is perfectly fine though and KK’s arm isn’t worth an additional $5-8 million. Neither would be more than a 4th or 5th OF unless Mullins is traded anyway.
C Yards Jeff
Love McKenna but strikes out way to much. Hope O’s find a comparable 4th outfielder with his defensive skill set but doesn’t strike out at a 35% clip.
KK superior D but old and beat up. Strikes out around the league average. Pass.
Could Cowser be that guy out of spring training? If not, the Daz C guy or someone like him as a 4th?
King Floch
Daz Cameron is definitely a candidate and will probably duke it out with McKenna in ST to be the backup CF if he (DC) is still in the organization at that point. Possibly Jake Cave too. Cowser can play CF but is best suited to the corners, and will most likely begin next year at AAA unless one of the everyday COFs gets injured in ST and he puts up a Nick Markakis 2006 type of performance in Sarasota. I really can’t see them bringing a prospect of his caliber up unless it is for an everyday or almost everyday role.
Trades may reshuffle the board too, I wouldn’t be particularly shocked if Hays or Santander is dealt for pitching this winter, and Mullins and Stowers might be available under the right circumstances too.
C Yards Jeff
Cave! Already forgot about him. Yes, agreed, a possibility. And yep, Cowser probably a reach. To your point, more seasoning likely.
I’d trade Stower before Hays. Keep Santander. To me, Mullins is special. He and Adley extend and extend now. A serene and cerebral baller. Put on this earth to play MLB. Lock him up now!
LatentWarrior
Nobody does what KK does especially not the way he does it and definitely not at a fraction of the cost? Are you even familiar with the IL or his list of injuries? Ryan McKenna – how’d he do this year? Caught a couple fly balls eh? Welp that about sums it up.
Berischa
As a lifetime Orioles fan, I don’t think the Orioles need another outfielder with what we already have and the ones that are coming up, specially with Mullins in CF if so? We would need a big bat outfielder instead in that case IMO
Digdugler
If he wasnt made of glass, I would say Jays should sign as even glass KK is over 100x better than Tapia. But they need to aim higher.. As long as Tapia is non-tendered the rest doesnt matter.
Sideline Redwine
Of course.
But what’s funny, the FO just talking about how they need to hit RHP better. So…they extended Margot, traded for a RH CF for the long term, traded Meadows for a RH 3B… Um, duh. Guess who put the Rays in that position? (Yes, I realize injuries, but talk about “self-awareness meter: zero.”
Four4fore
Nootbaar for Kirk then sign Kiermaier?
Msvhs79
I just see the Cards signing this guy. They are looking for some offensive help and that’s not his strength. But I’ve been wrong before!
Angry Disgruntled Sox Fan
The Rays have been waiting to get rid of this guy. Alas it has come.
LatentWarrior
That’s a flat out lie – they just know they can’t keep paying him what he’s worth because the FO can’t seem to stay on a reasonable track. Sign Glasnow to a $33M contract after he’s been actively pursuing a career on the IL. You’re either an Orioles fan or a Padres fan…
Angry Disgruntled Sox Fan
Exactly. They liked Keirmaier, but from a business standpoint, he cost too much and be never developed into the hitter they anticipated. With a payroll that small, it’s not a lie.
Viveleempireevil
Great glove. No bat.
LatentWarrior
No bat compared to… the handful of good hitters that play in the outfield? Otherwise the rest are all pretty much looking the same.
nottinghamforest13
First of all, Bob Nightnegale has a drinking problem. Secondly, the Cardinals need offense not another light hitting player in an already shallow lineup.
LatentWarrior
Agreed – he doesn’t belong with the cards.
Jim Tavegia
The Cubs need to stay away here and just play Pete Crow-Armstrong as his defense is just as good and in offense will be comparable to K-Meier and for a lot less money to use for pitching help.
LatentWarrior
Defense is definitely not just as good Keirmaier’s – don’t let stats cloud your ability to recognize missed opportunities.