Kevin Kiermaier, who just finished his 12-year major league career and won the World Series with the Dodgers, will return to the Toronto Blue Jays as a special assistant. The player, who has been hailed as one of the best defensive outfielders of all time, will assist the Blue Jays in fieldfield training once spring training begins.

Kilmaier has had the idea of working as a special assistant for many years. When he first revealed last July that the 2024 season would be his last, he was already hinting at future plans. He had planned to retire completely in 2025, but baseball has always been at the center of his life.

"I often joke with my teammates that one day I'll be a special assistant," Kilmaier said. "I'll say, 'You're going to miss me, but one day I'm going to be a special assistant and you're going to like me around.'" I didn't expect this to really come true. I'm so excited, it's my dream job and I can't wait. ”

Kilmeyer will begin next week's spring training session with the Blue Jays' outfielders in Dunedin, Florida. Aside from a handful of new faces, he knows everyone in the training facility inside out. After joining the Blue Jays in 2023, he quickly settled into Toronto, and even after being traded to the Dodgers in 2024, he remained connected with the Blue Jays and made it clear to team president Ross Atkins that he wanted to not only be on the courtside, but also really put in the work.

"Trust me, let me be a part of this place and get me around," Kilmaier told the Blue Jays. "Let me serve the entire organization, from the top to the bottom. Let me show what I'm capable of and let me be an outfield mentor for these players. ”

In recent years, the Blue Jays have increasingly relied on the contributions of former players, such as special assistant Victor Martinez, who joined last year. Martinez's relationship with Atkins and Mark Shapiro dates back to his days in Cleveland, where he worked with young hitters in spring training and throughout the season, often working alongside former Blue Jays star Edwin Encarnación. The pitcher side is led by 1996 Cyon Award winner Pat Hentgen, who has been an invaluable resource to young players for more than a decade.

These former players cover multiple areas. Encarnacion, for example, likes to work with young heavy gunners, lighting up his familiar paths. Kilmeyer, of course, will focus on the outfielders. His four Golden Glove awards don't quite say what he's worth. According to several stats, he is one of the best defensive outfielders in major league history.

It all started with a relationship, like Martinez's early collaboration with Shapiro. To put it simply, the Blue Jays mean a lot to Kilmaire.

"I can't express how grateful I am to them," Kilmaier said. "They've been nice to me over the years, and that's why I want to continue that relationship. I love the people in this organization, there is so much potential and talent here, and there are so many great people that I can't leave for a year. I'm so excited. ”

Now, it's time to get to work. Yes, Kilmaier will still run around in batting practice, catching flyballs and dismissing home runs. When the ball is flying into the air, he never "turns off" his own defensive switch.

Kilmeyer should be able to connect with the players immediately, not only because of his success in the big leagues, but also because of his experience as a 31st round pick, he was never seen as a future superstar. Now, many young outfielders are flocking to Dunedin who want to be as successful as he is.

The 34-year-old Kilmaier will have a message for them:

'I'm very confident, I worked hard and created a mindset where I'm going to be one of the best outfielders of all time,' Kilmeier said. "I've tried to do that throughout my career, but I know that defense will always be my signature. I do try to be the best. Now, I want to do the same from a coach's point of view. I know I have the CV and the data to back that up, so I want to tell these players, 'If I were you, I'd follow my advice.' ’”