Kevin Kiermaier

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Tampa Bay Rays #10 prospect in 2014
  The MVP of the 2009 Division II Junior College World Series, Kiermaier is the organization's latest Cinderella story after he reached the big leagues in his fourth pro season. He got the call in late September and served as a defensive replacement in Game No. 163 against the Rangers. That capped a year when Kiermaier led all regular, full-season minor league center fielders with 2.85 putouts per game, was the Double-A Montgomery MVP and helped Triple-A Durham win the International League title. Tabbed by the Rays as the organization's best defensive outfielder the past two seasons, Kiermaier is one of the premier flycatchers in pro ball. He shows outstanding instincts with great first-step quickness and has a plus arm with above-average accuracy and carry. He also has above-average speed, though he doesn't use it to his full advantage on the basepaths. At the plate, he has a quick, short swing that allows him to stay on the ball. He uses the entire field and can drive pitches, though power is not a big part of his game. Kiermaier is knocking on the door of the big leagues and could be a starter down the road, but first he must continue to improve his consistency at the plate. He'll return to Durham to open the 2014 season.
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  Ranked Tampa Bay Rays #26 prospect in 2011
  Kiermaier set several school records at Parkland (Ill.) JC and was named MVP of the Division II Junior College World Series in 2009, when he set a tournament record with 12 RBIs as the Cobras won the national championship. His commitment to Purdue for 2011 led teams to believe he'd be difficult to sign, but the Rays landed him almost immediately for $75,000 after drafting him in the 31st round in June. Displaying solid athleticism and all-around skills after turning pro, he attracted raves during a strong pro debut and also throughout instructional league. His instincts and work ethic are impressive as well. Kiermaier has a quick, short swing that allows him to stay on the ball well. He uses the entire field and has some present gap power. Once he learns to turn on inside pitches more consistently, he could develop average home run pop. He has plus speed and stole 17 bases in 22 attempts during his debut, but he still is learning how to read pitchers and steal bases. He has the tools to be a quality right fielder, with good range and a solid, accurate arm. Kiermaier will advance to low Class A this year and could prove to be one of the biggest late-round steals from the 2010 draft.