TORONTO, CA: After the game, Kiermaier told Arden Zwelling and Shi Davidi of Sportsnet that he had been notified by manager John Schneider about the waiver placement, confirming the report.
I was just notified that I have the opportunity to be claimed by a rival squad. As a team, I completely understand where we are at," the Gold Glove center fielder remarked.
Apparently, the idea is to have him claimed by another team so they can pay the remaining portion of his salary. While on waivers, Kiermaier can still play for the Jays because he is still listed on the 40-man roster.
As this news was released, he was actually participating in yesterday’s game versus the Giants. The Jays have the option to either outright acquire him or release him if he clears waivers, however retaining him on the roster is also an option.
The likelihood of Kiermaier being claimed looks low. He signed a one-year contract worth $10.5 million this season, of which around $4.5 million is still owed. He is still a terrific defender and has wheels, but his slash line is just .183/.232/.290.
As a fourth outfielder who can pinch run and cover defense, he might be of interest to a contending team, but there isn't much need for them to take on that contract just yet.Unless a team is prepared to just absbord the entire thing right now, interested clubs will have until July 30 to hash out an arrangement where the Jays eat some of the money. That deadline is still more than two weeks away.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post notes that whether Kiermaier is eventually claimed or not, it does indicate the Jays' current situation. As of this writing, the Jays are 42-50 and 8.5 games out of a postseason position.
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