The Blue Jays locking up Alejandro Kirk through 2030 signals their confidence in him as a long-term piece of their core. While his 2023 numbers (.253 AVG, .319 OBP, 5 HR, 54 RBI) weren’t spectacular, his 2022 All-Star season showed what he’s capable of when at his best.
Why This Deal Makes Sense for Toronto
- Catcher Stability – Kirk provides a reliable presence behind the plate, sharing duties with Danny Jansen (if he remains with the team) or young prospect Gabriel Moreno (if he returns).
- Elite Contact & Plate Discipline – His career .344 OBP and low strikeout rate make him a valuable offensive weapon, even if his power doesn’t always shine.
- Cost Certainty & Team Control – Instead of risking rising arbitration costs, the Blue Jays lock in a key player at an affordable rate through his age-32 season.
What’s Next for Kirk?
The big question is whether he can regain his 2022 form or if 2023’s decline is more of a trend. If he improves his power and conditioning while maintaining his elite contact skills, this deal could be a steal for Toronto.
For now, the Jays are betting that Kirk remains a high-OBP, steady-hitting catcher—a rare and valuable asset in today’s game.