"Before the 2022 season, Heineman signed a minor league deal with the Jays. After a handful of games with the team, he was designated for assignment and claimed by the Pittsburgh Pirates. The following season, the Jays traded for Heineman, before he was claimed off waivers by the Boston Red Sox at the end of the 2023 season. In September of 2024, Heineman was claimed off waivers by the Jays."
"With playing time, Heineman emerged as the best backup catcher in the league, as he slashed .289/.361/.416 with three home runs in 174 plate appearances for a 120 wRC+. Getting that type of offensive production from Heineman was just a bonus, as he was strong behind the plate. In just 424.2 innings behind the dish, Heineman accumulated 10 Defensive Runs Saved and 7 Fielding Run Value."
"All Heineman needs to be next season is a solid defensive catcher when Alejandro Kirk gets a rest. It's unlikely that he repeats the type of season he had in 2025, at least with the bat. Steamer projects he'll slash .226/.306/.331 with two home runs in 99 plate appearances. The kindest projection model is , which has the switch-hitter slashing .223/.313/.325 with three"
Tyler Heineman reached the majors in 2019 after being drafted in 2012 and spent years in the minors and multiple organizations. He returned to the Blue Jays via trades and waiver claims and served as the team’s backup catcher in 2025. Heineman slashed .289/.361/.416 with three home runs in 174 plate appearances for a 120 wRC+. He produced 10 Defensive Runs Saved and 7 Fielding Run Value in 424.2 innings, ranking among the top catchers by DRS and FRV. Projection systems expect offensive regression but anticipate continued defensive value as a backup.
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