The End Of An Era : The Rays Say Goodbye To Kiermaier and Choi

By Lily Belcher

The Tampa Bay Rays have started the offseason off with some big moves, losing two fan favorites: Kevin Kiermaier and Ji-Man Choi in just a few hours on November 10.

The Rays opted out of Kiermaier's 2023 contract, ending his 12 year career with the Rays and sending him to free agency. The three time Gold Glove and Platinum Glove winning centerfielder has had a career filled with highlights. His commitment to defense and hustle on the basepath was unmatched in the Rays organization, giving him an impressive highlight reel of diving catches, run-saving collisions with the outfield wall, and long relay throws to home plate.

"I am the luckiest man on the planet to have been a part of Rays Baseball for 12 years. They gave me an opportunity and I ran with it. [It's] impossible to express how much I love everything here in Tampa/St. Pete," said Kiermaier in a tweet after the Rays announced they would not pick up his 2023 contract.

However, Tampa Bay knew his contract was running out and it was time to bring in a new outfield leader. Kiermaier's batting average remained less than impressive throughout the 2022 season and injuries kept him off the field. In late July, the Rays announced Kiermaier would be out for the remainder of the season after undergoing hip surgery. Unfortunately, this would also be the end of his career as a Ray.

"I am so thankful, appreciative, grateful for everything thrown my way and for the people of this community, you mean the world to me," said Kiermaier. "...My time here is done but I will be a part of this community forever."

Declining the centerfielder's club option was not a surprise for fans. On September 24, the Rays played a tribute video at Tropicana Field and Kiermaier stepped out of the dugout for one last encore. Now, Kiermaier faces free agency in the off season as he looks for a new stadium to call home in 2023.

Hours later, the Rays announced first baseman Ji-Man Choi was traded to the Pirates for Minor League right-handed pitcher Jack Hartman. Pittsburgh was in need of a starting first baseman and Choi will fill that void in the Pirates lineup.

Choi's energy on the field and and in the dugout made him a favorite at Tropicana Field. For five seasons Choi reached for ground outs, doing the splits off first to catch throws from his fellow infielders and keeping his foot on the bag. He would turn to the dugout with a grin and celebratory wave after reaching base. And he would interact with the crowd and fans before the game.

"What a surprise news that I am no longer with the Rays. I wish I were going to retire with the Rays uniform, but what can I say?" said Choi in an Instagram post to his fans.

Hartman is a 24 year old right handed pitcher from the Bradenton Mauraders, the Pirates single A affiliate. Hartman was a fourth round draft pick from Appalachian State in 2020 and underwent Tommy John surgery the same year to prepare for the Big Leagues. This is a typical move from the Rays, who are always looking to the future and building up their minor league teams.

While the loss of Choi hurts, the Rays have plenty of infielders who can fill the role. And, with rumors of Evan Longoria returning to the Rays this year, the Rays could move some players around the field to make room for Longo at third for one final season.

With 95 days to go until pitchers and catchers report, the Rays have plenty of time to make more moves.