Blue Jays have reunited with an old friend
Photo credit: https://www.torontosun.com
The Blue Jays have reunited with Kevin Kiermaier. The former centre fielder has re-joined the organization as a special assistant.
This is something that had been on Kiermaier's mind for quite a while. Even when he announced at the beginning of 2024 that it was going to be his last season, he was already planning his next moves.
While he initially planned to take all of 2025 off an enjoy retirement, baseball doesn't always work like that.
Kiermaier will work with the Blue Jays outfielders throughout Spring Training and will be present in Dunedin throughout the next month.
Save for a few new additions, Kiermaier knows most of his new trainees quite well, having played either with or against them the last few years.
Expect him to work with youngsters like Nathan Lukes, Joey Loperfido, Alan Roden, Jonanthan Clase, and even Addison Barger and Davis Schneider.
Kiermaier loved his time in Toronto as was eager to be a part of its future.
Please, just trust me. Let me be a part of this. Let me bounce around, 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.
The Blue Jays have leaned on former big leaguers a lot in recent years. Former infielder and Reds manager David Bell ha joined the scouting department, franchise icon Edwin Encarnacion has worked with hitters the last couple of springs, along with former big league catcher Victor Martinez.
Cy Young winner Pat Hentgen has also worked with the club in a variety of roles for over a decade.
As for Kiermaier, who ranks as one of the best defensive centre fielders in history, he loves the relationships that the organization creates.
I can't thank them enough. They've treated me great for years now. That's why I wanted to keep this relationship going. I love the people in this organization. There's too much potential and too much talent. There are too many great people to be away from for a year. I am thrilled.
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