RAYS LOCK UP KIERMAIER THROUGH 2023
PORT CHARLOTTE, FL – Monday morning Kevin Kiermaier woke up an extremely happy man. He’d already known his extension was coming. However it had yet to be made official by the team. Around 9 AM on Monday morning, Kiermaier sat between his agent, Larry Reynolds, and Rays President of Baseball Operations, Matt Silverman to make his extension official.
“There wasn’t a better team for me,” Kiermaier said. “This was an easy decision for me, to be honest.”
#Rays deal with Kiermaier guarantees $53.5M over 6 and could max out at $66.15M with incentives and 2023 option
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) March 20, 2017
Here’s how this blockbuster extension breaks down:
- $1M signing bonus
- $3M in 2017
- $5M in 2018
- $8M in 2019
- $10M in 2020
- $11.5M in 2021
- $12M in 2022
- $2.5M buyout or team option in 2023 for $13M that can escalate based on performance incentives.
The contract is the fourth time that Stuart Sternberg’s ownership group has guaranteed at least six years to a player, the last being RHP Chris Archer who signed a six-year extension (plus two club options) back in 2014. Before that it was 3B Evan Longoria’s six-year guaranteed (plus three options) back in 2008 and then that deal was extended in 2012 six more years with an option in 2023.
“Kevin has established himself as one of the most dynamic and exciting players in baseball and also sets a tremendous example off the field with his work ethic, dedication, and leadership,” Silverman said. “We’re thrilled that he’ll be patrolling center field for the Rays for years to come.”
Kiermaier was selected in the 31st round (941st overall) in the 2010 June Draft out of Parkland College in Illinois. That same draft class consisted of Manny Machado, Kole Calhoun, and Christian Yelich.
