Kevin Kiermaier, whose career ended with the 2024 World Series-winning Los Angeles Dodgers, has formally retired and joined the Toronto Blue Jays’ front office.
According to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com on Twitter/X, Kiermaier’s title will be “special assistant.”
“I am just thrilled,” Kiermaier said, via Matheson. “This is the dream job of a lifetime. I cannot wait.”
Kevin Kiermaier has joined the #BlueJays organization as a special assistant.Or, as he puts it: “A special assistant … slash outfield specialist … slash outfield whisperer.”Kiermaier: “I am just thrilled. This is the dream job of a lifetime. I cannot wait.”
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) February 8, 2025
Kiemaier, 34, played for the Blue Jays in 2023 and 2024. He was traded on July 30, 2024, to Los Angeles in the deal that sent pitcher Ryan Yarbrough to Toronto.
Although Kiermaier played only 64 regular season games with the Dodgers, and four more in the postseason, he was able to collect a World Series ring when Los Angeles defeated the New York Yankees in the World Series.
Kiermaier established himself as one of the game’s premier defensive center fielders over 10 seasons (2013-22) with the Tampa Bay Rays. In 12 seasons, he batted .246, hit 95 home runs, stole 132 bases, and collected four American League Gold Glove Awards in center field.
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Days before he was traded to the Dodgers, Kiermaier announced he would be retiring from MLB after the 2024 season.
What a time to be alive! Endin my career out as WORLD SERIES CHAMPS! All credit goes to my amazing teammates! Thank you @Dodgers for the best opportunity i could ever hope for! Champs forever!
— Kevin Kiermaier (@KKiermaier39) November 1, 2024
“When you know, you know, and I know it’s time,” Kiermaier said of his decision to retire in July 2024. “Playing on this turf all these years, it’s beaten me up, but I’m so happy with how everything has played out, and it’s not done yet. I don’t know what’s going to happen with me with the state of our team in the next week, but if I’m on a roster, I’m going to give it all like I always do.”
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Kiermaier was on the Dodgers’ roster for their National League Championship Series victory over the New York Mets but was left off the World Series roster. Still, he was grateful for the opportunity to take part in a World Series run.
One of my favorite interviews from last night.This is the way you end a great career, with THIS @Dodgers team. pic.twitter.com/ymg3SbexrK
— Olivia Garvey (@OliviaNBCLA) October 12, 2024
“This is everything I’ve worked for my entire life,” Kiermaier told Olivia Garvey of NBC Sports. “I was only here for three months, but these guys never quit. The best teams have the best players, the players that care the most.”
The Blue Jays were active this offseason, signing free agents Anthony Santander, Max Scherzer, and Jeff Hoffman, and acquiring second baseman Andres Gimenez via trade. Perhaps Kiemaier won’t have to wait long for his first postseason run post-retirement.
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