Next Guys Up: Alejandro Kirk

Alejandro Kirk is a 21 year old right handed backstop from Mexico who has been a member of the organization since he was 18 years old. Kirk is most well known as a strong contact hitter who doesn’t have the typical build for a highly conditioned position such as catcher. He is a large framed heavy set athlete who finished off the 2019 season in advanced A Dunedin, and managed to impress the team executives enough to receive a spring training invite, where he quickly became well known to fans.

When acquired by the Blue Jays in 2017, it was more of a surprise than anything else. The Jays scouts were in attendance at a showcase in Mexico to see one of the catching prospects in the Mexican league, but that catching prospect was not Kirk. After a couple days, the scouts reported back to the team saying that the catcher wasn’t anything special, but they found someone else. Someone different. A 5’7, 200 lb catcher. Despite not having the prototypical build of a catcher, Kirk managed to impress the scouts with his ability to handle the bat, and the way he moves considering his frame. They ended up signing him with a $7500 signing bonus, and to say the least, it has worked out well.

According to MLB.com, Kirk is the 5th rated prospect in the organization, right behind Alek Manoah, the team’s 2019 first round pick. Over his minor league career, he has compiled a .315 average combined across all levels. In 2019 he played in A ball, and advanced A, where he continued to showcase his ability to hit the ball. He hit for a .288 average in Dunedin while maintaining an incredible .395 OBP, continuing to show that the Jays found a diamond in the rough.

On the depth chart Kirk currently appears 4th, behind McGuire, Jansen, and Joseph. Considering the organization's strong depth at the position, his future with the team is unclear. Rumors of a Jansen or McGuire trade have come up, which would open the door for him, but the front office doesn’t seem to favour that option, continuing to stockpile talented catchers like Kirk. Only time can tell what the future holds for the Jays young catching talents.