Kevin Kiermaier traded to Dodgers in exchange for left-handed pitcher Ryan Yarbrough

The Toronto Blue Jays dealt outfielder Kevin Kiermaier to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday in exchange for left-handed pitcher Ryan Yarbrough, according to Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith and Shi Davidi.

Kiermaier, 34, signed a one-year extension with the Blue Jays this past off-season after spending a decade in the outfield as a Tampa Bay Ray. 

Although regarded more for his defensive output than anything else, Kiermaier’s offensive numbers took a turn for the worse in his second season with Toronto in 2024. He batted just .195 after nearly reaching a career-high at the plate last season. 

Kiermaier announced earlier this month that he intends on retiring at the end of the season, so now he will get the opportunity to chase a championship in Los Angeles with the NL West-leading Dodgers.

In 2023, Kiermaier won his fourth Gold Glove in centre field, and he has continued his defensive excellence in 2024. He ranks among the league leaders in defensive runs saved and outs above average.

Los Angeles ranks among MLB’s worst clubs in outfield defence, so Kiermaier should be able to step in as a late-game replacement or pinch runner in a loaded Dodgers lineup.

Yarbrough, 32, was designated for assignment by the Dodgers on Monday, but has done a solid job of limiting runs in 2024. Through 67.1 innings this season, the seven-year MLB veteran has a 3.74 ERA and 39 strikeouts.

A long-time Rays hurler, Yarbrough found himself in Los Angeles at last year’s trade deadline. He is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, as his one-year, $3.9-million contract comes to a close.

While he has worked only out of the bullpen for the Dodgers this season, Yarbrough has made 68 career starts and figures to get the chance to help the Blue Jays work through the remaining 55 games of the season after trading away Yimi Garcia, Yusei Kikuchi and Trevor Richards.

In a surprising move, the Tampa Bay Rays have traded their star center fielder Kevin Kiermaier to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for left-handed pitcher Ryan Yarbrough. The trade, which was announced earlier today, has sent shockwaves through the baseball world as Kiermaier has been a key player for the Rays for the past eight seasons.

Kiermaier, known for his exceptional defensive skills and speed on the basepaths, has been a fan favorite in Tampa Bay since making his debut in 2013. The two-time Gold Glove winner has been a cornerstone of the Rays’ outfield and has been a key contributor to their success in recent years.

On the other hand, Yarbrough has been a solid pitcher for the Dodgers, posting a 4.13 ERA in 2021 and helping the team reach the World Series. The Rays are hoping that Yarbrough can help bolster their pitching staff and provide some much-needed depth in their rotation.

While it’s always tough to see a beloved player like Kiermaier leave, trades are a common occurrence in baseball and are often made with the goal of improving the team’s chances of winning. The Rays will now look to move forward with Yarbrough in their rotation and continue their quest for a championship.

As for the Dodgers, they are getting a proven defensive star in Kiermaier who can provide a spark both on the field and in the clubhouse. With Kiermaier joining an already stacked lineup, the Dodgers will be even more formidable as they look to defend their World Series title.

Overall, this trade is sure to shake up both teams and will be one to watch as the season progresses. Only time will tell if it was the right move for both sides, but one thing is for certain – baseball fans everywhere will be eagerly anticipating seeing how Kiermaier and Yarbrough perform in their new uniforms.