The Los Angeles Dodgers made an under-the-radar move at the trade deadline by acquiring Kevin Kiermaier from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for Ryan Yarbrough.
The 34-year-old joined the team in the midst of a down season at the plate but still plenty capable of playing Gold Glove-caliber defense.
While he has helped stabilize center field since coming over to the Dodgers, Kiermaier is also finding some offensive success, which he has not had much of this season.
Kiermaier said he has felt rejuvenated since being traded to the Dodgers and entering the playoff race, via Juan Toribio of MLB.com:
“They’ve pumped life into me,” Kiermaier said. “Playoff atmosphere. A team that plays in October every year. This is what I want, and my situation earlier in the year in Toronto was — love the guys over there, but when you’re not winning, life’s not as fun. So coming over here, being first in the division and going to battle with these guys each day is an absolute blast.”
Kiermaier has been part of several playoff teams in his career, but was stuck on a Blue Jays team that is currently in last place in a tough American League East.
Kiermaier’s trade to the Dodgers not only propelled him into the postseason picture, but gave him a role on a team with the best record in baseball.
Kiermaier has already recorded a pair of multi-hit games with the Dodgers, including in in a win over the St. Louis Cardinals that saw him go 2-for-4 with a home run and four RBI.
Kiermaier has served as the Dodgers’ backup center fielder and should continue that role moving forward with Tommy Edman as the starter there.
Dodgers had longtime interest in Kevin Kiermaier
Prior to acquiring Kiermaier at the trade deadline, the Dodgers reportedly had interest in signing the veteran outfielder before he returned to the Blue Jays on a one-year deal this past offseason.
Kiermaier previously announced that he is planning to retire after the 2024 season, so he will be looking to end his career with a World Series championship in L.A.
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