"But aside from a hip injury in 2021, Kirk has been healthy throughout his career. Their backup catcher, Tyler Heineman, also had a short stint on the injured list because of a concussion. His numbers dipped once reaching the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, slashing just .207/.295/.370 with three home runs in 105 plate appearances, but Valenzuela is better known for his defence, throwing out just over a third of would-be stealers last season."
"It feels like Riley Tirotta will get his big league opportunity at some point. The 27-year-old broke out in 2024, slashing .247/.360/.425 with 15 home runs in 444 plate appearances between Single-A, Double-A, and Triple-A in 2024. Most of those plate appearances came with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, where he finished with 12 home runs and a 112 wRC+. His tenure with the Bisons in 2025 was similar, as Tirotta slashed /.268/.359/.417 with 12 home runs in 463 plate appearances for a 112 wRC+."
Several young Blue Jays provided lineup help in 2025, including Addison Barger, Trey Yesavage, Mason Fluharty, and Braydon Fisher. The team is pursuing top free agents Alex Bregman, Kyle Tucker, and Bo Bichette. Prospects may not produce a breakout like Barger or Yesavage, but several could supply depth if injuries occur. Five prospects are candidates to debut in 2026. Brandon Valenzuela profiles as a defensive-minded, 25-year-old catcher who threw out over a third of steal attempts despite a Triple-A offensive dip. Riley Tirotta, a 27-year-old utility bat, posted back-to-back 112 wRC+ seasons at Triple-A.
Read at BlueJaysNation
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