Gold Glover Kevin Kiermaier Mentors Rays’ Outfielders in Camp Kiermaier

Chandler Simpson is spending a week with Kevin Kiermaier this spring. The second-year player trains under the four-time Gold Glove winner at what's called Camp Kiermaier.

Marc Topkin broke the story for the Tampa Bay Times. The sessions zero in on catching fly balls and reading swings off the bat.

Kiermaier snagged four Gold Gloves during his Tampa Bay tenure from 2013 through 2022. He patrolled center field and built a name as one of baseball's sharpest glove men. The veteran logged 10 campaigns with the club before departing as a free agent.

“It feels great to give back to the organization that gave me the world, that's nearest and dearest to my heart,” Kiermaier said Wednesday, according to the Tampa Bay Times, as he sported a Rays cap and workout shirt. “I'm a lucky man to be wearing this once again. So I'm going to give them everything I got.”

Simpson arrived in the Rays system last year. He's sharpening his skills ahead of Opening Day 2026.

The program connects prospects with a legend known for acrobatic catches. Kiermaier's metrics topped baseball charts during his peak years with Tampa Bay — he posted 21.3 defensive runs saved in 2015 by himself.

Spring camps host specialized coaching sessions. This weeklong clinic lets Simpson absorb tricks that propelled his teacher to stardom.

Tampa Bay has run similar academies in previous years to groom their farm system. Prospects gain from studying under position specialists who thrived in the majors.

The Rays kick off their 2026 slate in March. Simpson will vie for at-bats during exhibition contests in Port Charlotte, Florida.