Ex-Toronto Blue Jays centerfielder Kevin Kiermaier takes on a new role
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Former Toronto Blue Jays Gold Glove winner Kevin Kiermaier has taken on a new role as an outfield mentor, and is helping some of the biggest names in the game...with their game.
After the Toronto Blue Jays chose not to renew Kevin Kiermaier’s contract as an outfield instructor for the 2025 season, the veteran defender made his intentions clear.
In a social media post, Kiermaier announced he was open to working with any of the league’s 30 teams — or any individual player — as an elite outfield instructor.
One player who quickly took Kiermaier up on the offer was Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz.
Cruz endured a challenging season defensively in center field in 2025, prompting him to seek additional instruction this spring as he looks to elevate his game.
To help with that transition, Cruz enlisted Kiermaier, one of the premier defensive outfielders of his generation.
Kiermaier starred in center field during his playing career, winning four Gold Glove Awards (2015–16, 2019, 2022) and a Platinum Gold Glove in 2015.
The two recently worked together in Florida, where Kiermaier has been eager to carve out a role helping outfielders refine their defensive skills.
Cruz is entering the 2026 season, which will be his second full year playing center field, and Kiermaier’s guidance is aimed at helping him grow more comfortable and consistent in the position.
Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette spoke with Kiermaier about his recent work with Cruz.
“I’m teaching him outfield A-to-Z, everything I can in a relatively small sample size,” Kiermaier told Beazley. “He’s listened to everything I’ve said, and he’s done a great job. With him, it’s more about the mental side — understanding the speed we need to operate at. If we want to get the most out of these drills, they have to be done with a certain intent.”
Kiermaier noted that Cruz drove 45 minutes to Tampa, Fla., to train with him and praised the Pirates star for his attitude and work ethic.
Kiermaier also spoke on MLB Network about Cruz's athleticism and potential
Kiermaier also discussed his work with Cruz on MLB Network with Harold Reynolds and Matt Vasgersian, explaining that much of the instruction has centered on helping Cruz shift his mindset from shortstop to center fielder.
4x Gold Glove winner Kevin Kiermaier is sharing some of his center field wisdom with one of the game's most talented players, Oneil Cruz 👏@KKiermaier39 | #MLBNHotStove
“He’s got all the skills and talent in the world,” Kiermaier said. “He’s got a cannon for an arm, and all the physical attributes you want. Now it’s about reaching a certain level of mental lock-in.”
While Kiermaier emphasized that Cruz ultimately has to put everything together himself, he expressed confidence that the young star is capable of making significant strides this season.
Kiermaier retired following the 2024 season, concluding a 12-year Major League career with the Tampa Bay Rays, Toronto Blue Jays, and Los Angeles Dodgers.
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