"If not for Eric Lauer, the season may not have turned out the way that it did. The left-handed pitcher was signed on a minor-league deal last off-season after a season in Korea. He eventually made the Jays' roster and pitched to a 3.18 ERA and 3.85 FIP in 104.2 innings pitched, making 15 starts along the way. With Bowden Francis' struggles and Max Scherzer's injury, the Jays needed Lauer to step up."
"However, Alejandro Kirk's season is the reason the Jays performed they did. Before the beginning of the 2025 season, Kirk signed a five-year deal worth $58 million and proceeded to have one of the best seasons for a catcher in Blue Jays' history. Back in 2022, the 27-year-old slashed .285/.372/.415 with 14 home runs in 541 plate appearances, with a higher BB% (11.6%) than K% (10.7%) as he proceeded to put up a 129 wRC+."
Everything went right for the Toronto Blue Jays through most of the season, with George Springer posting a 166 wRC+ and Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. contributing offensively. Eric Lauer signed on a minor-league deal and produced a 3.18 ERA and 3.85 FIP across 104.2 innings and 15 starts, stabilizing the rotation amid injuries and struggles. Alejandro Kirk signed a five-year, $58 million deal and produced a breakout 2025 season, slashing .282/.348/.421 with a career-high 15 home runs and a 116 wRC+. Kirk led the league with 22 Fielding Run Value, posted 9 Defensive Runs Saved, excelled at blocking, and ranked as the second-best framer.
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