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PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- At different points during the offseason, Kevin Kiermaier and Willy Adames wondered if they’d still be around for the Rays’ first full-squad workout. Kiermaier and Adames, both key players and emotional leaders in the clubhouse, grew concerned that the trade rumors involving them would lead to something more.
But there they were on Tuesday morning, taking part in drills on Field 5 at Charlotte Sports Park and speaking to the media on Zoom, still important figures in the Rays’ lineup, up-the-middle defense and clubhouse culture.
“I'm thrilled. I'm thrilled to be here,” Kiermaier said. “I'm happy. I don't want to be anywhere else.”