4 weak spots the Blue Jays are going to need to address sooner rather than later

Center field

Another particularly troubling aspect that has stood out had been the play of Kevin Kiermaier with regards to what he has contributed offensively to the club this year. There’s no question that Kiermaier still remains an elite play in the field after registering 2 DRS and 1.000 fielding percentage through 11 games. On the other hand, he has been almost completely productionless at the plate.

Much was said about how Kiermaier provided valuable offensive impact last season for the Jays while hitting at the bottom of their everyday lineup. Aside from scoring important runs with his speed, he would come up with key hits in late inning situations to help fuel the team to victory. However, so far in 2024, Kiermaier has gotten off to one of his worst starts in his career. In 34 plate appearances, he has totalled only 3 hits for a .097 average, .273 OPS, -17 OPS+ (that’s right, a negative OPS value), with 2 runs scored, 2 RBI, 2 stolen bases, 3 walks and 14 strikeouts. No matter how you see it, something seems a bit off for Kiermaier, as his swing just doesn’t feel right.

Nevertheless, the Jays will need to make a decision soon on whether Kiermaier is providing enough value in center field to offset his mediocrity at the plate. Otherwise, reducing his playing time moving Daulton Varsho over to cover center, and inserting Davis Schneider or Cavan Biggio into the lineup as the starting left fielder may have to be considered to optimize run production for an already-struggling Jays’ offense.