Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk agrees to 5-year extension: reports
The Toronto Blue Jays made a significant move to secure their future by signing catcher Alejandro Kirk to a lucrative five-year, $58 million contract extension. This deal includes a generous $6 million signing bonus for Kirk, who is set to earn $4.6 million this season. This extension not only covers his final year of arbitration in 2026 but also secures his services for the following four seasons.
At just 26 years old, Kirk was on track to become a free agent after the 2026 season. However, the Blue Jays were determined to lock down their talented catcher for the long term. Blue Jays president and CEO Mark Shapiro praised Kirk’s exceptional mental attributes, noting his ability to stay calm under pressure and make key plays when it matters most. Shapiro compared Kirk to other great players he has seen and expressed confidence in his abilities both behind the plate and at the plate.
Kirk’s role as the team’s primary catcher was solidified when Danny Jansen was traded at last year’s deadline. In 103 games last season, Kirk posted a respectable batting average of .253 with five home runs and 54 RBIs. A 2022 all-star, Kirk has compiled impressive career stats with the Blue Jays, including a .264 batting average, 36 home runs, and 187 RBIs in 434 games.
The Blue Jays’ decision to invest in Kirk’s future reflects their commitment to building a competitive team for years to come. With Kirk’s talent and leadership on the field, the Blue Jays are optimistic about their prospects in the seasons ahead. By securing Kirk’s services through 2026 and beyond, the Blue Jays have made a strategic move to strengthen their roster and position themselves for success in the highly competitive world of Major League Baseball.
