If the Tampa Bay Rays are to reach the postseason, it may come down to whether or not they can keep Kevin Kiermaier on the diamond for most of the season.
As we begin to look ahead to the 2019 campaign, the Tampa Bay Rays seemingly have an uphill climb in regards to reaching the postseason. While the Rays strengthened their rotation, the Yankees have dramatically improved their bullpen, and the Red Sox remain the defending World Series champions. Nonetheless, the Rays have high hopes for the coming season, which potentially include a trek back to the postseason.
Even though those hopes seemingly rest upon the continued success of the opener, or the Rays getting the production they need from Charlie Morton or Tyler Glasnow, there are other players that may be even more important. Of those players who are vital to Tampa Bay reaching the postseason, none may be as important as Kevin Kiermaier.
When he has been on the diamond, Kiermaier has been one of the better players in the game, with his developing offense and stellar defensive capabilities. The problem is getting Kiermaier into the lineup every day, as he has appeared in over 110 games just once in his major league career.
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Despite being struck down by a broken hip in 2017, it appeared as though the Rays center fielder had turned the corner in terms of his bat. He posted a career best .276/.338/.450 batting line, with 15 homers and 16 steals over his 421 plate appearances. It seemed as though Kiermaier was coming into his own, developing into the player the Rays hoped for.
Last year, however, was a disappointment. Not only did he spend more time on the disabled list, but Kiermaier’s progress with the bat disappeared. He produced a disappointing .217/.282/.370 batting line, with only seven homers and ten steals in his 367 plate appearances.
Even more disappointing, Kiermaier saved just five runs in center, his lowest mark since he played only 42 games in center field back in 2014. Even if Kiermaier’s bat lags behind, that exceptional outfield defense has made him an extremely valuable player in Tampa Bay. Last year, those injuries appeared to have caught up with the Rays outfielder, as he just was not the same player when he was on the diamond.
Due another $41.7 million over the next four years, not including the team option for 2023, Kiermaier is an important part of the Rays present and future. That financial commitment, along with his Platinum Glove caliber defense, make him an important part of the roster. If he can return to the level of production that he displayed in 2017, and somehow remain healthy, Kiermaier could be the difference in the Rays reaching the playoffs or coming up just short once again.
The Tampa Bay Rays margin for error is minimal if they are to make the postseason in 2019. The most important part of their playoff aspirations coming true may involve Kevin Kiermaier staying healthy and on the field for more than 110 games once again.