With the return of catcher Alejandro Kirk off the injured list Friday, the Blue Jays have a choice to make. They would like to have him, designated hitter George Springer and fellow catcher Brandon Valenzuela in the lineup whenever possible.
Kirk had been on the shelf since early April with a thumb injury. During his absence, the 25-year-old Valenzuela played exceptionally well. The latter’s bat is now a must-have in the order.
Both catchers are excellent behind the plate. In 2025, Kirk posted +22 fielding run value behind the dish (h/t Baseball Savant). Valenzuela is looking at +7 this season, tied for first in MLB.
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Both happen to be excellent hitters as well. Valenzuela has posted a .790 OPS with seven home runs over 46 games in 2026, Kirk a .769 OPS with 15 home runs over 130 games in 2025.
With it best to have both of them in the lineup, one at catcher and one at designated hitter, George Springer is potentially looking at a return to the outfield. Currently the DH of the team, the 36-year-old has yet to appear in the outfield this season.
Sportsnet reporter Ben Nicholson-Smith reported on Friday evening that the Jays have seriously been considering putting the veteran back out there, in order to get both Kirk and Valenzuela in the batting order.
Springer has yet to get it going this season. In 47 games, Toronto’s leadoff hitter is batting .204 with a .291 on-base percentage and a .634 OPS. He has five home runs and 14 RBIs. Perhaps a return to the outfield is just what he needs.
Despite Springer’s struggles, it seems the Blue Jays are still committed to him. His role on the team now changes a bit with Kirk returning for the weekend series against the New York Yankees.
The tandem of Kirk and Valenzuela has the chance to be one of the best in MLB. That combination of above-average hitting and fielding is rare to find at the catcher position and something other teams would love to have.
Entering play on Friday, the Blue Jays are 33-36 and nine games back of the first-place Tampa Bay Rays in the American League East. However, they are only a game and a half back of a Wild Card spot.
