The Tampa Bay Rays declined their $13 million option for veteran center fielder Kevin Kiermaier.
USA Today's Bob Nightengale noted the St. Louis Cardinals showed interest in Kiermaier in the past and could make a run at him now.
The 32-year-old now becomes a free agent and is bound to have a market thanks to his defensive record. He's a three-time Gold Glove winner and one of MLB's top defenders at any position.
MLBKevin Kiermaier got UP! ud83dude31 <a href="https://t.co/2jhnVAiIrq">pic.twitter.com/2jhnVAiIrq</a>
Kiermaier was tied for 15th in outs above average (11) in 2021 on Baseball Savant.