logo
An overview of how Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk is faring after signing his extension
alt
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Graeme Wallace
May 8, 2025, 07:04 EDT
Comments
Late in spring training, the Toronto Blue Jays announced they were extending one of their key contributors. While most fans were hopeful of a Vladimir Guerrero Jr. extension, in late March, catcher Alejandro Kirk signed a five-year, $58 million contract keeping him in Toronto through the 2030 season. Six weeks into the season, here’s how Kirk has responded to his big payday.
One of the storylines going into the campaign was the workload that Kirk would be asked to carry. The Jays brought in veterans Ali Sanchez and Christian Bethancourt on minor-league deals while Tyler Heineman was heading into camp on the 40-man roster. Heineman won the job as a backup, and he has been a pleasant surprise so far. Still, Kirk has started 28 of 36 games and has been a streaky hitter in 2025.
The 26-year-old started hot with six hits over his first five games (6/19, .316), but that included just one extra-base hit, a double. Kirk slumped over the next 14 games, hitting .173 (9/52) with another double and a homer. In the nine games since, the Mexico native has been hot, with 14 hits in 37 at-bats (.378) with a double, home run, and six RBIs. For the season, Kirk is batting .269 with two home runs, three doubles, 12 RBI, and a .649 OPS with an 84 OPS+. 
The advanced numbers show that Kirk has been hitting the ball hard (hard-hit%  of 49.5, 83rd percentile / 34.3 squared-up%, 92nd percentile), while avoiding strikeouts (12.4%, 92nd percentile). His OPS is a bit low because he’s been producing more singles versus the extra base hits, and he’s not walking a ton, which is why his OBP sits at .292. But he sits fourth on the team with his 29 hits, and as productive as he’s been as a hitter, Kirk’s value increases when considering his defensive abilities.
Kirk has thrown out 29.2% of base stealers (7 of 24), considerably higher than the MLB average of 20.1%. He currently leads the AL with seven baserunners thrown out. That only tells part of the story. MLB.com published an article by Mike Petriello, highlighting Kirk’s improvement in throwing runners out, despite the base size increase starting in 2024. After catching 20% of baserunners from 2020-2023, Kirk saw his caught-stealing rate increase to 30% in 2024-25, and it continues to play around there to start the 2025 season. The writing explains that Kirk’s quick exchange (worth +7 steals prevented) and accuracy (+8 steals prevented) help offset his middling arm strength. He has worked hard to improve his arm strength and increased the speed of his throws on steals from 76.6 mph in 2024 to 79.4 mph this season.
A little over a month after signing his extension, Kirk was honoured with his first bobblehead game, and he came through with a home run and the game-winning hit as part of a dramatic comeback. It was a triumphant moment and the perfect ending to his special night. The Blue Jays understand his value and have committed heavily to keeping Kirk. It’s up to him to show them that they made a wise investment and so far, he is proving he was worth the money with his 0.6 fWAR, ranking sixth in the Major Leagues. 

Featured

Editorials

Breaking News