2026 Blue Jays Make Long-Awaited Catchers Roster Decision with Return of Two-Time All-Star from IL
Toronto made quite a few roster moves before their game against the Yankees on June 12th, but the most impactful was the chain reaction caused by catcher Alejandro Kirk’s activation from the injured list. The silver slugger only played five games in 2026 before joining the IL on April 4th with a left thumb fracture. Rookie Brandon Valenzuela made his MLB debut on April 5th with the intention to split games with backup catcher Tyler Heineman to cover Kirk’s roster spot. It was assumed that once the Blue Jays' starting catcher recovered, Valenzuela would return to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. However, the 25-year-old has officially proven himself enough to stay in the majors.
Similar to the player whose shoes he had to fill, Valenzuela is just as valuable on offense as on defense. The switch-hitter hit his first Major League home run in his fifth start on April 12th and is now in a three-way tie for second most home runs on the team with Ernie Clement and Jesús Sánchez. Only fellow rookie Kazuma Okamoto has their sevens beat with 14 of his own. Valenzuela also has a .252 AVG and a .790 OPS. When it comes to catching, he has been 47% accurate with his ABS challenges, getting 14 of 30 correct. The 25-year-old is ranked 11th in caught-stealing rates, with 8 total. His outstanding performance has left fans wondering what the rookie catcher's fate will be.
Luckily for fans of number 59, his spot on Toronto’s roster was confirmed on Friday with Heineman’s DFA. The almost 35-year-old has been removed from Toronto’s 40-man roster and can now be traded or placed on waivers. Since he has more than five years of Major League experience, he cannot be sent to the Minors, but he can elect for free agency instead. The rotation with Kirk and Heineman had the two-time all-star play most days, with the switch-hitter only covering his off- days. However, that certainly won’t be the case now that the Blue Jays have two star catchers in their possession. Obviously, both men can’t play catcher in the same game unless they substitute, but they could both be in the batting lineup. Though it wasn’t done in Kirk’s first game back on Friday, Valenzuela could be the designated hitter while Kirk catches or vice versa.
Where would Toronto’s usual designated hitter, George Springer, fit in? The 36-year-old does tend to have a decent amount of days off, so that leaves room for the extra catcher to sneak in every so often. The three-time silver-slugger used to play outfield, however, and Manager John Schneider mentioned he’s been working on those skills for this exact situation. So, if the Blue Jays wish, they could have all three power hitters in their lineup at once. The last question this situation raises is, if both catchers are in the lineup and one needs to leave the game, what happens? Well, then the Jays would just replace their DH with one of the many capable bench players. Regardless, given how this team has struggled with injuries this season, it’s doubtful Schneider considers this a problem and is just grateful to have so many of his star players healthy again.
