Blue Jays News: Toronto Hands Out Long-Term Extension to Core Piece

The Toronto Blue Jays have handed out a long-term extension to one of their core players. But wait, it's not the long sought-after Vladimir Guerrero Jr. deal. The Jays have signed catcher Alejandro Kirk to a five-year, $58 million deal.

BREAKING: Alejandro Kirk and the Toronto Blue Jays are in agreement on a five-year, $58 million contract extension, source says. The structure, which includes a signing bonus and no club options, allows him to enter free agency after his age-31 season. Kirk is represented by Eric…
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) March 23, 2025

It's believed that the deal doesn't kick in until next season, and will run until 2030.

Kirk, 26, has seen his offense go stagnant the past couple of seasons, but has dramatically improved his defense. His 'CS Above Average' (caught-stealing above average) was in the 97th percentile last season according to Baseball Savant, and his framing was in the 93rd. Overall, defensively, his fielding run value was in the 98th percentile. He was a finalist for the Gold Glove.

One part of his offensive game that's remained elite is his control of the strike zone. Kirk was one of the toughest players in baseball to strike out, in the 95th percentile.

Last season, Kirk batted .253 with a .677 OPS and an OPS+ of 94 which left him below average amongst major league batters for the second straight year. But he was an All-Star and a Silver Slugger in 2022, when he posted a .285 average and a 127 OPS+. He had a slash line that year of .285/.372/.415.