3 Blue Jays offseason decisions that already look bad in 2024

The Blue Jays re-signed Kevin Kiermaier 

With many members of the Jays leaving for free agency following the end of the 2023 season, they managed to bring back one of the fan favourites in Kevin Kiermaier. It made total sense for the organization because after all, he had a great season both offensively and defensively while hitting at the bottom of the Jays’ lineup. Not only did he post strong numbers across the board with a .265 average, .741 OPS, 58 runs scored, 21 doubles, 6 triples, 8 home runs, 36 RBI and 14 stolen bases in 129 games played, he also took home his fourth career Gold Glove for his spectacular play in the field.

However, things have been quite different for Kiermaier so far in 2024. Despite showing some surprising power during spring training by hitting 4 home runs in 16 games, a worrisome stat was the fact that he also struck out an uncharacteristic 17 times in just 39 at-bats. His free-swinging ways apparently have now carried over into the regular season, leading to his ineffectiveness at the plate. In 8 games so far, Kiermaier has only registered two hits, leading to a paltry .095 batting average, .269 OPS, along with a pair of RBI, two walks and 6 strikeouts in 21 at-bats.

It may be early, but whether it has been the wear and tear over the years that is starting to take its toll on Kiermaier’s body, or perhaps we are actually witnessing some signs of regression in Kiermaier’s swing, if his offensive struggles continue to amplify, the Jays could be in for a long season. They have to make sure it doesn’t become significant enough such that even his elite defence can’t make up for it..