Dodgers Champion Makes Blue Jays Move After Retirement Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Feb 11, 2025 12:34 PM ET

Kevin Kiermaier is widely considered one of the greatest defensive outfielders to grace MLB and bowed out of the game in style, winning a World Series title with the Los Angeles Dodgers last year.

Kiermaier appeared in 34 games for the Dodgers, posting a .564 OPS and driving in eight runs in 64 plate appearances. For his career, Kiermaier won four Gold Glove awards while posting a more serviceable .706 OPS than fans saw in his final season.

The four-time Gold Glove winner had earlier announced the 2024 season would be his last, calling the curtains on his 12-year MLB career, prior to being traded to the Dodgers from the Toronto Blue Jays.

Just a few months after retiring, Kiermaier will be returning to the Blue Jays—this time as a special assistant (via Keegan Matheson, Blue Jays reporter for MLB.com).

Speaking about his new job and how he feels about landing a role he had always dreamed of, Kiermaier told MLB.com, "I’d always make a joke with the guys about being a special assistant. It’s funny how it came to fruition. I am just thrilled. This is the dream job of a lifetime. I cannot wait.”

Kevin Kiermaier has joined the #BlueJays organization as a special assistant.

Or, as he puts it: “A special assistant … slash outfield specialist … slash outfield whisperer.”

Kiermaier: “I am just thrilled. This is the dream job of a lifetime. I cannot wait.”
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) February 8, 2025

Kiermaier, 34, is set to begin working with the Blue Jays' outfielders at Spring Training. He will not be a stranger to many of the players, having spent parts of two seasons with the Blue Jays before his move to LA.

This news continues a tradition of relying on former players as special assistants, which the Blue Jays have embraced in recent years. Former MLB slugger Víctor Martinez joined the Blue Jays' front office as a special assistant last year, working with the team's young hitters.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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