Ranking the Blue Jays pending free agents by likelihood of them re-signing

1. Kevin Kiermaier

One of the key acquisitions during the 2022-23 offseason, Kevin Kiermaier has turned out to be everything the Jays expected him to be and more. After an injury-plagued season with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2022, Kiermaier has rediscovered his form this year with the Jays both on the field and at the plate.

In the outfield, Kiermaier has put his elite defence on full display as he is among the team leaders in DRS with 17, sports a fielding percentage of .988, and has also five outfield assists to boot with his lethal throws coming from center field. At the plate, he has been a sparkplug for the Jays’ offence at the bottom of the lineup, compiling a .269 batting average with a strong .755 OPS, along with 56 runs scored, 20 doubles, six triples, eight home runs, 35 RBI and 13 stolen bases in 123 games played. If it weren’t for a couple minor injuries along the way, he probably could have contributed even more to the ballclub.

Kiermaier has definitely enjoyed his time with the ballclub as a whole. You can often tell his enthusiasm and love for the team from his interviews and the way he speaks in front of the media. Also, when the Rays gave up on him due to his injury woes despite being part of their franchise for his entire career, it was the Jays that showed that they still believed in him and his abilities. Just that in itself should get Kiermaier to remain with the team for two to three more years in a short-term deal. At least one thing is for sure, the Jays’ faithful would definitely want that to happen.

Verdict: Highly likely he re-signs.