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The Rays have locked up center fielder Kevin Kiermaier to a long term contract, offering the Rays control of a franchise outfielder through 2023.
Kiermaier previously won the Gold Glove for center field in each of his first two seasons with the club, and according to advanced analytics, has emerged as the best outfield defender in baseball.
With this contract extension, Kiermaier becomes the third Rays star to sign a long term deal, joining Evan Longoria and Chris Archer to create a firm foundation for the team’s future.
OFFICIAL: The #Rays have signed Kevin Kiermaier to a six-year contract, including a club option for 2023. pic.twitter.com/LwCL1m8xn0
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) March 20, 2017
Kiermaier’s contract is as follows:
Signing bonus: $1,000,000
2017: $3,000,000
2018: $5,500,000
2019: $8,000,000
2020: $10,000,000
2021: $11,500,000
2022: $12,000,000
2023 option: $13,000,000 ($2,500,000 buyout) with escalators
This contract guarantees $53.5 million over six years, beginning this season, and maxes out at $66.15 million through the seventh year option, buying out up to three years of free agency.
#Rays Silverman on KK signing. "This is a classic win-win. We know he's not going to change."
— Neil Solondz (@neilsolondz) March 20, 2017
The Rays recently moved Kevin Kiermaier to the No. 2 spot in the batting order and anticipate the speedy center fielder, who received MVP votes in 2015, to continue his development as a star athlete.
"I don't think we've scratched the surface yet. I know I can be better."#Outlaw#RaysUp pic.twitter.com/JpG21vQU9i
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) March 20, 2017
Kevin Kiermaier is vital to the Rays success. The entire defense is built around his capabilities, and the pitching is more confident when KK patrols the outfield.
If there was one player this franchise needed to lock up, it was Kevin Kiermaier.