New deal bolsters Kiermaier
PORT CHARLOTTE — For a guy who said he couldn't talk much about the six-year $53.5 million contract extension coming his way, Kevin Kiermaier shared how thankful, humbled and blessed he felt.
“I'm very grateful for the Rays to do this for me,” he said Wednesday morning.
What Kiermaier should also feel is rewarded. And relaxed. Sure, he might have given up the chance for even greater earnings — in the silly-money currency of big-league baseball — had he played his way to free agency in 2021.
He might have missed out on a chance to be traded to or sign in a bigger city that provided increased marketing opportunities.
He could conceivably shorten his career by accelerating the wear and tear on his body in spending half his playing time (at least for the next five years) on the Tropicana turf.
But what Kiermaier, 27 next month, gained in the deal is not just more money than he could have ever imagined growing up in modest means in Fort Wayne, Ind., but the knowledge that he doesn't ever again have to worry how his numbers on the field translate to digits in his paycheck.
“I think the best part about it as a player is you can take a deep breath and say, ‘OK, I'm good as far as finances. I have a significant amount of money, so I can invest in myself to get better,’ ” said starter Chris Archer, who signed a sixyear pact in 2014 guaranteeing $25.5 million.
“I wouldn't be surprised if KK was an All-Star this year just because he has the peace of mind of knowing he's not going anywhere and he can take care of himself and his family.”
Any time the Rays make one of these long-term investments — and it has been three years since Archer’s deal — they are gambling.
On health. Improved performance. And the character of the man, basically that he won't be the type to take the money, quit caring and stop playing hard.
That seems like a safe bet with Kiermaier, who has never shed his Midwestern work ethic or forgotten his rise from 31st-round draft pick in 2010 and unheralded minor-leaguer to arguably the best defensive centerfielder, if not overall defensive player, in the majors.