September 7, 2017
Outfielder Tanner Kirwer grew up dreaming of playing for the Toronto Blue Jays. His dream became one step closer to reality when the organization drafted him in the 20th round of the 2017 MLB draft.
Selected with the 609th overall pick out of Niagara University, Kirwer received the news he always dreamed of.
“It was always a dream of mine to get drafted by a major league team,” explained Kirwer. “But to get drafted by my favorite team for as long as I can remember was just amazing!”
His excitement mixed with the organization’s faith in Kirwer landed him with the teams’ advanced-rookie ball club in West Virginia.
Slashing a .224/.323/.329 line with four doubles, a triple, and a home run in 85 at-bats in Bluefield was a respectable start for Kirwer.
Succeeding with a simple, but effective plate approach that he has used to climb through the amateur ranks to now.
“I try to hunt for fastballs when I’m in the batter’s box,” said Kirwer. “When I get my pitch to hit I try and put it up the middle.”
But Kirwer’s success doesn’t end at the plate, as he’s also a reliable defender in the outfield.
Logging 220 innings amongst the three outfield positions in 2017; Kirwer maintained a respectable .966 fielding percentage, while picking up five outfield assists and taken part in a double play in Bluefield.
Even though, Kirwer is happy to play anywhere in the field, the young prospect has a favorite position.
“I love playing center the best,” stated Kirwer. “I like center, because I’m in control of the outfield and have more ground to cover.”
Toronto Blue Jays fans will be following Tanner Kirwer’s progress for years to come, as they hope to see the home grown talent playing for his favorite team one day.