In MLB, lots of players have enough power to be on a 20 or 25-homer pace.
But let’s take it up a notch: how about players who can hit homers at that pace AND show elite plate discipline.
There are not a lot of those, to be honest.
“Players with more BB than Ks AND 10+ HR this season: José Ramírez, Juan Soto, Alejandro Kirk* *Including his 10th HR today,” Jason Catania, a writer for MLB.com, tweeted.
Players with more BB than Ks AND 10+ HR this season
José Ramírez
Juan Soto
Alejandro Kirk**Including his 10th HR today.
— Jason Catania (@JayCat11) June 26, 2022
In today’s MLB, a hitter who has more walks than strikeouts is certainly special.
Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk is, undoubtedly, a special player.
That’s why he is leading the voting process to be the starting catcher in the 2022 All-Star Game: he has taken his game to the next level.
A Strong Offensive And Defensive Catcher
Before Monday’s games, Kirk is slashing .322/.409/.523 with the 10 home runs, which is amazing for a catcher.
Most MLB teams want their catchers to call a good game, as the first requirement.
Anything they can contribute offensively would be a bonus.
In Kirk, the Blue Jays have a strong defensive catcher (a nice change of pace considering past seasons) and an ideal hitter, who walks a lot and has considerable power.
Kirk not only improved his offense, but his framing also took a step forward.
Now, he is a clear contributor on both sides of the ball, and the Blue Jays can’t be more thrilled about it.
He may very well be the best catcher in the American League, and it may not be particularly close.
The Blue Jays, with him, Danny Jansen, and Gabriel Moreno, are set in the position for years to come.
NEXT: MLB Insider Shares Sergio Romo Update