The Toronto Blue Jays finally extended a young part of their core. It just is not the extension anyone was expecting.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that the Blue Jays and catcher Alejandro Kirk agreed to a five-year, $58 million extension which includes a $6 million signing bonus. He joins outfielder Anthony Santander and infielder Andres Jimenez as being under team control through the 2030 season.
Although Kirk has been unable to replicate his All-Star 2022 season, he has been a solid part of the Blue Jays lineup. Kirk posted a respectable .253/.319/.359 batting line in his 386 plate appearances in 2024, hitting five homers and 19 doubles.
Kirk has drawn rave reviews for his defense, particularly regarding pitch framing and blocking pitches in the dirt. He ranked second in the American League by throwing out 31% of would-be base stealers and saved six runs defensively.
The 26-year-old Kirk is entering the 2025 season as the unquestioned primary catcher in Toronto. Catchers Reese McGuire and Danny Jansen, both of whom Kirk had split time with, have left the organization.
The Blue Jays have been attempting to extend other pieces of their core. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has remained a priority, with the Blue Jays hoping to lock in their star first baseman although his previously stated deadline has passed.
Signing Kirk could be another step in that direction. The Blue Jays have struggled to attract upper-echelon free agents despite repeated attempts. Although Kirk is not at the same stratosphere that the Blue Jays had been shopping, he is one of the better catchers in the majors. And he has committed to staying in Toronto.
