"I feel the best I've felt all year” - Kevin Kiermaier reflects on mid-season move to Dodgers
Among the big names shuffled at the trade deadline, Kevin Kiermaier went from the Toronto Blue Jays to the Los Angeles Dodgers. It's his third team since making his debut with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2013.
After a decade with the Rays and two years in Toronto, Kiermaier is once again back with a World Series contender. Reflecting on his mid-season trade, he said:
“It’s been great. They pumped life into me. Coming into a winning atmosphere. This is what you want to be around. For me, this has just put a pep in my step and uplifted me, to be quite honest. I feel the best I've felt all year.” [via SportsNet LA].
Kevin Kiermaier's addition has plugged a lot of holes for the Dodgers defensively. His ability to play anywhere in the outfield is a bonus and is a four time Gold Glove-winner.
“Knowing your role is half the battle, and I know what they expect me to do, I know what I expect out of myself. This is so fun, so exciting for me, and I just want to give them the best I got,” he added.
Kevin Kiermaier said he would retire after this season, but will that change now?
The veteran outfielder signed a one-year, $10.5 million deal with the Blue Jays, who placed him on waivers in July following a slump in offensive production (.195/.236/.310 with an OPS+ of 54).
That was followed by Kevin Kiermaier announcing his retirement, saying it would be his last season.
“I'm more than happy,” Kiermaier said in July via ESPN. “I'm at peace with my decision. The year is not over yet. Who knows what's left in store?”
However, following his trade to the Dodgers, his thoughts about retirement might change.
“Winning is fun, and it brings the best out of everyone. In Toronto this year, we weren’t winning as much as we wanted.
"Our season was kind of over by the deadline, and here I am, just the matter of a trade put me (from) a losing atmosphere to a winning atmosphere,” Kiermaier said.
Even if Kevin Keirmaier pulls a plug on his career, he should be content knowing he gave out his best each time he was on the field.