No player followed Tampa Bay’s offseason as closely as Kevin Kiermaier, who’s thankful for one potential cost-cutting move the reigning AL champion Rays didn’t make.
The 30-year-old defensive whiz, set to make $11.5 million in 2021, was the subject of weeks of trade speculation this winter following the team’s loss in the World Series. He’s grateful to still be the face of the franchise in spring training.
“I wasn’t walking on eggshells saying, ‘Oh, this might be my last day.’ ... But I’d be lying if I didn’t say some thoughts crept in my mind here or there,” Kiermaier said following a workout in Port Charlotte, Florida.