Former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kevin Kiermaier worked with current Dodgers prospect Zach Erhard throughout the offseason.
"Appreciate [Kevin Kiermaier] taking the time to work with [Zach Erhard] this offseason," Michael Dillon, who represented Kiermaier in the majors and currently represents Erhard, wrote via Instagram. "It's the little adjustments on and off the field that separate the good from the great. Z is well on his path to being great."
Kiermaier spent the first 10 years of his 12-season MLB career with the Tampa Bay Rays before electing free agency after 2022. He signed with the Toronto Blue Jays ahead of the following season, and remained there for 2024 as well.
The Dodgers came knocking for Kiermaier at the trade deadline in 2024, and got their man in exchange for Ryan Yarbrough and cash.
The veteran played 34 games for the Dodgers after the trade, posting a .564 OPS during his stay in L.A. with a single home run and eight RBIs. He made four appearances in the 2024 postseason, and didn't reach base in either of his two plate appearances throughout. He officially retired in February. 2025, and joined the Toronto Blue Jays as a special assistant .
What the outfielder lacked in his bat, he made up for with the glove, though. Kiermaier won four Gold Gloves during his time in MLB, as well as the Platinum Glove in 2015 — the only season in which he ever received MVP votes.
Aug 28, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Kevin Kiermaier (93) warms up prior to the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Dodger Stadium . Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Erhard, 23, ranked as the Dodgers' No. 27 prospect at the end of last season, and had a solid year in the minor leagues.
The 23-year-old came to the Dodgers in the trade which sent Dustin May to the Red Sox , and played exclusively in Double-A after the move.
He had an .857 OPS in 34 games with Double-A Tulsa last season, and could very well move his way up the minor league ladder next season.
Training with one of the best defensive outfielders of the generation is sure to move Erhard in the right direction, and can hopefully continue to blossom into a player the Dodgers can integrate into the roster in the future.
