Even though he opened the season sharing playing time with Danny Jansen and is now doing the same with Gabriel Moreno, Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk has found a way to shine in his own right.
The 23-year-old catcher has been 47 percent better than his peers at the plate: that’s what his 147 wRC+ (weighted Runs Created Plus) means.
He is slashing .307/.397/.464 with six home runs, 30 runs, and 22 RBI in 209 plate appearances this year.
With the bat, he can do it all: he can hit for a high average, he takes walks, and has some power, too.
And, as it turns out, he has been an asset behind the plate, too.
The complete package is very exciting, and Blue Jays fans have recognized this and rewarded him for his excellent performance this year.
Every Baseball Fan Should Recognize Kirk’s Excellent Season
Not only are Blue Jays fans helping him become the highest vote-getter at catcher, but other teams’ supporters are objectively voting for him, too.
“Alejandro Kirk holds a 600K+ lead on second place Jose Trevino among AL catchers in MLB’s first all-star balloting update. He’s third among all AL players. Fellow Blue Jays Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and George Springer (third among OFers) also lead their position,” Sportsnet columnist Shi Davidi tweeted.
Alejandro Kirk holds a 600K+ lead on second place Jose Trevino among AL catchers in MLB's first all-star balloting update.
He's third among all AL players.
Fellow Blue Jays Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and George Springer (third among OFers) also lead their positions.
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) June 21, 2022
Overall, Blue Jays fans have been very active on social media to vote for their stars, but Kirk’s overall excellence goes well beyond the team he plays for.
He has been objectively great: it’s very difficult to find such a good hitting catcher who is not a liability behind the plate.
Toronto has it, and it’s one of the reasons they are currently holding a postseason spot.
NEXT: Blue Jays Continue To Loudly Boast About Alek Manoah