TORONTO – Alejandro Kirk didn’t wish to make any assumptions about being named to the American League roster for subsequent week’s All-Star Recreation in Atlanta.
The Toronto Blue Jays catcher came upon within the clubhouse throughout a hitter’s assembly earlier than Sunday’s 3-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels when Toronto accomplished its three-game sweep of the guests. The honour meant a very good deal to Kirk, whose earlier all-star look was in 2022.
“I had an thought, however I didn’t wish to get too emotional till I knew it was going to be official,” stated Kirk by means of a translator within the Blue Jays dugout at Rogers Centre.
“It was clearly very emotional the primary time round, however I believe this was going to be extra particular as a result of I’m going to go along with my daughter.”
Kirk’s spouse Sofia gave start to their daughter in February 2023.
Toronto supervisor John Schneider might have relayed the excellent news to Kirk earlier on Sunday morning when the 2 had a one-on-one dialog. As a substitute, he waited till the Blue Jays lineup was engaged of their hitters’ assembly.
“I advised them two issues: that the dome was closed and that Alejandro Kirk was an all-star, which is fairly superior and so effectively deserved,” Schneider stated in his post-game information convention.
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Kirk is batting .301 with seven homers and 41 runs batted on this season. Kirk’s common is eleventh in MLB and second amongst catchers behind Will Smith (.332) of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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He’ll be part of teammate Vladimir Guerrero Jr., named an AL starter for the fourth time on Wednesday, at Truist Park on July 15.
Kirk’s first all-star look was in 2022 when he completed the season with a .285 common and 14 homers. The 26-year-old has a .270 profession common with a complete of 43 homers over six seasons, all with Toronto.
Schneider has watched his catcher develop from a uncooked expertise to one of many recreation’s greatest all-around gamers behind the plate in 5 years.
“I bear in mind in 2020, him arising, we have been actually writing down on his wristband what pitchers threw,” Schneider stated.
“To look at his development is fairly cool. To look at the pitchers’ belief develop in him is fairly cool. And what he’s doing offensively, among the best within the league.”
Kirk credited work on his psychological strategy in addition to the bodily elements for his return to the ASG. His well being additionally has been an element.
“I take into account myself a whole hitter proper now, greater than in prior years,” stated Kirk. “I attempted to hit too many homers. I’m not contemplating myself a house run hitter anymore.
“This yr, I wished to be a whole hitter to hit the ball the opposite manner, making an attempt to get runners in, discover a manner to assist the workforce win.”
Schneider admired Kirk’s work ethic in returning to the shape he exhibited in 2022. The Toronto supervisor additionally famous Kirk has a laid-back and completely different character.
“He’s a unicorn. He’s certainly one of one,” Schneider stated. “In 2022, he turned lots of heads in 2022. After a few robust years, he understands what he must do to be nice within the field and he has put within the work.”
Kirk, who signed a US$58-million, five-year extension in spring coaching, performed in his seventy fifth recreation on Sunday. He solely suited up for 103 final yr and is on tempo to achieve his career-high of 139 outings in 2022.
“I’m doing every little thing I can to assist the workforce win,” Kirk stated. “I’m very joyful and I’m feeling nice proper now.”
With the Blue Jays’ current ascension to the highest of the American League East, Kirk hopes he can arrive in Atlanta subsequent week in first place.
“It feels nice being in first place,” Kirk stated. “You possibly can really feel it within the clubhouse. The vibes are nice. Everyone is competing, going on the market doing every little thing they’ll to win a recreation.”
“It’s superior to be in first place.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first printed July 6, 2025.
© 2025 The Canadian Press
