3 Blue Jays players that are no longer worth defending

Toronto Blue Jays players have had mixed starts to the 2026 season, with many improving into more consistent daily contributions. A few players have not regained confidence or performance despite receiving opportunities. Tyler Heineman, the primary backup catcher, has produced a .150 batting average and a .340 OPS with limited counting stats and frequent strikeouts across 25 games. With starting catcher Alejandro Kirk sidelined by a thumb injury, Heineman had chances to step into a larger role, but rookie Brandon Valenzuela has risen instead and may now be ahead on the depth chart. Jeff Hoffman was expected to handle closer duties without a traditional insurance signing, but his performance deteriorated after an initial strong start, leading to his removal from the closer role.

"Tyler Heineman was certainly a valuable member of the Blue Jays squad in 2025 that made it all the way to the World Series. However, Heineman has been struggling immensely so far with Toronto in 2026. Serving as the Blue Jays main backup catcher, the 34-year-old has batted a putrid .150 with a .340 OPS, along with just four runs scored, zero home runs, three RBIs, one walk and 14 strikeouts in 67 total plate appearances spanning 25 games (going into May 20)."

"More importantly, in a time where starting catcher Alejandro Kirk had been on the sidelines for a significant period of time with a thumb injury, Heineman had all the opportunities to prove that he could step up into a starting role and hold the fort down until Kirk returned. But instead, it has been rookie catcher Brandon Valenzuela rising to the occasion and has likely surpassed Heineman now on the depth chart at catcher. When Kirk does comes off the IL, it really should be Valenzuela staying as the main backup."

"When the Blue Jays didn't go out to get a traditional closer this past offseason to serve as insurance to Jeff Hoffman in the event that he faltered in 2026, it showed that Toronto management really believed in his ability to get the job done. Blue Jays fans' ultimate fear came to fruition when Hoffman started to implode following a strong start to the season. In the end, the former All-Star reliever was removed from his closer'"

Read at Jays Journal