Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk named as an All-Star reserve

Kirk finished second in voting for American League catchers, falling short to Seattle Mariners’ backstop Cal Raleigh, which is the right call given what Raleigh has done so far this season. That said, Kirk is no slouch himself, as he’s slashing .301/.359/.413 with seven home runs in 298 plate appearances for a 117 wRC+.

The Blue Jays’ catcher also has been one of the best defensive catchers in the league, ranking at or near the top of the league in Defensive Runs Saved, Fielding Run Value, framing, blocking, and throwing runners out. His offence and defence have given him a 2.9 fWAR, his best total since 2022.

That was the other year Kirk headed to the All-Star, as he entered the Summer Classic slashing .315/.395/.487 with 11 home runs in 306 plate appearances for a 155 wRC+. He was named the American League catcher and caught teammate Alek Manoah. 

After the All-Star Game in 2022, Kirk slashed just .246/.340/.320 with three home runs for a 95 wRC+. Let’s hope his second half in 2025 doesn’t go the same way. At the end of the 2022 season, Kirk was awarded the Silver Slugger Award for catcher. 

Kirk joins Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as the two Blue Jays’ All-Stars, as the first baseman won the fan voting. One player who didn’t make it but should have is George Springer, who is slashing .281/.374/.512 with 16 home runs in 335 plate appearances for a 147 wRC+. Addison Barger is another player who should’ve received consideration, as he’s slashing .269/.329/.507 with 11 home runs in 244 plate appearances for a 130 wRC+.

The All-Star game is a little over a week away on July 15, 2025. All-Star week begins on July 12, with the All-Star Futures Game starting at 4:00 PM ET. The following two days is the MLB draft, with the Home Run Derby on Monday.