Dodgers Outfielder Officially Retires, Joins Blue Jays in New Role
Kevin Kiermaier had been thinking about becoming a special assistant once he retired from playing professional baseball. After winning his one and only World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024, he has officially begun his next chapter.
The four-time Gold Glove-winning outfielder is returning to the Toronto Blue Jays as a special assistant.
“I’d always make a joke with the guys about being a special assistant,” Kiermaier said to MLB.com. “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.”
Kiermaier is one of the best defensive outfielders Major League Baseball has seen and even after Toronto traded him to Los Angeles at the trade deadline, he told general manager Ross Atkins that he wanted to come back.
“Please, just trust me. Let me be a part of this. Let me bounce around,” Kiermaier told the Blue Jays. “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.”
In recent years, the Blue Jays have increasingly relied on former players to assist the team. Last year, they brought in Victor Martinez as a special assistant, utilizing his experience with young hitters, often collaborating with former star Edwin Encarnación.
More news: Former Dodgers Outfielder Signing With NL West Rival for 2025 Season
On the pitching side, 1996 Cy Young winner Pat Hentgen has been a valuable mentor to young players for over a decade, continuing to play an instrumental role in their development.
Initially, Kiermaier wanted to take 2025 off and enjoy retirement but baseball had a way of calling him back.
“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.”
More news: Another Dodgers Player Makes it Known He Wants Kiké Hernandez Back in LA
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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