Tampa Bay Rays: Kevin Kiermaier frustrated with direction of team
By David Hill
The Tampa Bay Rays myriad of moves over the weekend have exposed the franchise to a good deal of criticism. That critique is also coming from players on their roster.
There are times when it has to be frustrating to be a part of the Tampa Bay Rays. Players sign long term extensions, hoping that they can be a part of the next contending Rays squad. Instead, once the contracts get to be too much, those players are shipped out for prospects in hopes of repeating the cycle.
And then, there are the Rays moves from over the weekend. In a flurry of moves, the Rays traded Jake Odorizzi for a mediocre return, acquired C.J. Cron, and inexplicably designated Corey Dickerson for assignment. Needless to say, Rays players were not pleased with these moves. Center fielder Kevin Kiermaier let his frustrations be known with quite the soundbite.
#Rays Kiermaier on dumping Dickerson, Odorizzi: “I am 100 percent frustrated and very upset with the moves. No beating around the bush. It’s one of those things that makes you scratch your head, you don’t know the reasoning why.” Then said it’s his responsibility to move on.
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) February 19, 2018
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Kiermaier’s frustrations are understandable. He had signed a long term deal with the Rays last year, a six year extension worth $53 Million, and includes a team option for 2023. Obviously, Kiermier expected to be part of a core group on the Rays, planning to lead them back to the postseason.
The Rays certainly appeared to be close, based on last year’s performance. They finished the year at 80-82, and seemed close to contending. Instead, the Rays have torn down the foundation, and may not be finished. Chris Archer is still considered to be on the trade block, despite his reasonable salary. Franchise icon Evan Longoria was sent to San Francisco earlier in the offseason, a move that showed that no one was untouchable on the roster.
At this point, Kiermaier appears to be safe, his salary more than reasonable for a player with his amazing defensive ability and burgeoning offense, However, $5.95 million was a reasonable salary for Dickerson, and the Rays jettisoned him, in large part because of his salary. In watching those moves, Kiermaier likely saw his future as well, with the Rays ongoing rebuild seemingly a never ending proposition.
Kevin Kiermaier is upset about the Tampa Bay Rays moved from the weekend. One can certainly understand his frustrations.