The Blue Jays opted to retain a key piece from their 2023 roster, as four-time Gold Glove winner Kevin Kiermaier is reportedly headed back to Toronto on a one-year deal. Toronto needed outfield help heading into the winter, and there are very few players in the game as good defensively as Kiermaier.

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A Look at Kiermaier

After spending his entire professional career in the Rays organization, Kevin Kiermaier left Tampa last winter to join the rival Blue Jays on a one-year deal. Kiermaier was one of several left-handed hitters added by Toronto last offseason, as the Jays also picked up Brandon Belt and Daulton Varsho via trade.

But while Kiermaier was not added because of his bat, the 33-year-old had arguably his best statistical season at the dish since 2017. The Blue Jays OF posted his highest wRC+ (104) and OPS+ (104) in six years.

The 33-year-old doesn’t have above-average power, and he’ll often strike out. However, Kiermaier doesn’t get pull-happy and has shown good bat speed and contact skills throughout his career, particularly against the heat.

However, Kiermaier’s best tool by far and way is his glove. The 33-year-old’s been a plus-plus defender for years and that remained true in 2023, when he recorded a +13 Outs Above Average per Statcast and ranked well above average in both arm strength and sprint speed.

Kiermaier won his fourth AL Gold Glove this past November. He was one of three Jays to win one, as pitcher Jose Berrios and Matt Chapman also won one at their respective positions.

Per Sportsnet in Canada, the reported deal — which has been agreed upon pending a physical — will be a one-year, $10.5MM pact before incentives.

Analysis

It’s been an interesting offseason for the Blue Jays thus far. Toronto failed to woo Shohei Ohtani to Ontario and the Jays to this point have been rumored to be in on several other big-name free agents. This move marks the first notable signing the Jays have made this winter.

Kevin Kiermaier fit in well with the Blue Jays last year, and his terrific defensive capabilities helped form a very strong trio in the outfield alongside Daulton Varsho and George Springer. While he may not be an impact player at the plate, Kiermaier’s stellar defense should help the Jays’ pitching staff yet again in 2024.

That takes care of one hole on the Blue Jays’ tentative 2024 roster. However, questions regarding what Toronto will do in the DH, 2B, and 3B positions remain. Whit Merrifield, Brandon Belt, and Matt Chapman are free agents.