Blue Jays hire Kiermaier as special assistant

Kevin Kiermaier is back on the north side of the border. Just a few months after winning his first World Series championship with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Toronto Blue Jays announced Saturday that the four-time Gold Glove winner will join the team as a special assistant to the front office.

Kiermaier will work closely with the Blue Jays’ outfielders, beginning next week when Spring Training gets underway in Dunedin, Fla.

“I’d always make a joke with the guys about being a special assistant,” Kiermaier told MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson. “I’d say, ‘You guys are going to miss me, but I’ll be a special assistant one day, and you’ll love having me around.’ It’s funny how it came to fruition. I am just thrilled. This is the dream job of a lifetime. I cannot wait.”

In an interview with Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, Kiermaier emphasized his desire to reshape the Blue Jays’ approach to outfield defense.

“I’m going to try to revolutionize outfield defense. I want to be the start of a new era, a new age, with the teaching and the drills that I can implement,” he said. “It’s been on my mind for years, and now it’s coming to fruition. So, it lights me up. It’s fun to think about.”

Kiermaier originally joined the Blue Jays in 2023 as a free agent following a 10-year tenure with the Tampa Bay Rays, where he earned his fourth Gold Glove award. He later re-signed with Toronto before announcing in July his plan to retire at the end of the 2024 season. However, he was traded to the Dodgers, where he ultimately fulfilled his dream of winning a World Series ring.

Despite the trade, Kiermaier maintained a strong connection with the Blue Jays' front office, a relationship that helped pave the way for his return.

“I can’t thank them enough,” Kiermaier said. “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.”

The Blue Jays’ pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training on Feb. 13, while the rest of the roster checks in on Feb. 18 in Dunedin.