Toronto Blue Jays top official breaks silence on Alejandro Kirk’s WBC status

Toronto Blue Jays are entering the new season with renewed belief after ending a 32-year World Series drought last year. Despite losing Bo Bichette in free agency, the front office responded aggressively — reinforcing the pitching staff with elite arms and adding Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto to maintain roster balance.

At the heart of Toronto’s optimism remains catcher Alejandro Kirk, a cornerstone of the franchise and one of the most reliable two-way backstops in Major League Baseball.

John Schneider details Alejandro Kirk’s WBC plan

Kirk has already reported to spring training camp, but his focus will soon shift to the international stage. The 27-year-old is set to represent Team Mexico in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, temporarily stepping away from Blue Jays camp.

With his departure approaching, manager John Schneider addressed how the team plans to handle Kirk’s workload. According to Hazel Mae of Sportsnet, Schneider still intends to give Kirk reps in spring training games before he leaves for the tournament.

The decision is noteworthy given the physical toll placed on catchers. Balancing early-season preparation with the added intensity of international competition requires careful management — particularly for a player as central to the organization as Alejandro Kirk.

A franchise pillar on both sides of the ball

Toronto’s confidence in Kirk is well-earned. Locked into a team-friendly five-year, $58 million extension signed last March, he has consistently outperformed his contract value.

Defensively, Kirk remains one of the league’s premier pitch framers, routinely stealing strikes and elevating the effectiveness of the pitching staff. Offensively, he continues to deliver impact production. In 2025, Kirk posted a .282 batting average, .348 on-base percentage and a .769 OPS, adding 15 home runs and 76 RBIs across 130 games.

A two-time All-Star and Silver Slugger Award winner, Alejandro Kirk has spent his entire six-year career with Toronto since debuting in 2020. His steady development stands as one of the organization’s greatest internal success stories.

As the World Baseball Classic nears, the Blue Jays are making it clear: Kirk’s international commitment will not disrupt their long-term plans. Instead, it underscores just how valuable he has become — both to Toronto and on the global stage.