Despite offensive struggles, Angels' Tyler Heineman expresses desire to continue MLB career

Former Toronto Blue Jay Tyler Heineman who was acquired via trade by the Los Angeles Angels on June 17 has expressed a strong desire to continue his MLB career past this season despite his offensive struggles.

Since joining the Angels, the 35-year-old journeyman backstop is batting .191 with 13 hits and three RBI across 30 games. But in his 2025 tenure with the Blue Jays, Heineman put up career highs, sporting a .289 batting average with three home runs, two stolen bases and 43 hits.

Unfortunately this season with the Blue Jays his performance didn't match his successful 2025 campaign, which led the team to designate him for assignment following the strong performance of rookie catcher Brandon Valenzuela. 

On an episode of 6ix Inning Stretch, Heineman talked about why he believes he can still add value and his passion for the game, stating:

"I love playing. I love the game planning and scouting to call pitches. This season has been so poor offensively, but I still think I have a lot to give to the game of baseball. I really believe it would be premature for me to call it after having a tough year at the plate."