TORONTO – Alejandro Kirk didn’t need to make any assumptions about being named to the American League roster for next week’s All-Star Game in Atlanta.
The Toronto Blue Jays catcher came upon within the clubhouse during a hitter’s meeting before Sunday’s 3-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels when Toronto accomplished its three-game sweep of the visitors. The honour meant a superb deal to Kirk, whose previous all-star appearance was in 2022.
“I had an idea, but I didn’t wish to get too emotional until I knew it was going to be official,” said Kirk through a translator within the Blue Jays dugout at Rogers Centre.
“It was obviously very emotional the primary time around, but I feel this was going to be more special because I’m going to go together with my daughter.”
Kirk’s wife Sofia gave birth to their daughter in February 2023.
Toronto manager John Schneider could have relayed the excellent news to Kirk earlier on Sunday morning when the 2 had a one-on-one conversation. As a substitute, he waited until the Blue Jays lineup was engaged of their hitters’ meeting.
“I told them two things: that the dome was closed and that Alejandro Kirk was an all-star, which is pretty awesome and so well deserved,” Schneider said in his post-game news conference.
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Kirk is batting .301 with seven homers and 41 runs batted on this season. Kirk’s average is eleventh in MLB and second amongst catchers behind Will Smith (.332) of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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He’ll join teammate Vladimir Guerrero Jr., named an AL starter for the fourth time on Wednesday, at Truist Park on July 15.
Kirk’s first all-star appearance was in 2022 when he finished the season with a .285 average and 14 homers. The 26-year-old has a .270 profession average with a complete of 43 homers over six seasons, all with Toronto.
Schneider has watched his catcher develop from a raw talent to certainly one of the sport’s best all-around players behind the plate in five years.
“I remember in 2020, him coming up, we were literally writing down on his wristband what pitchers threw,” Schneider said.
“To look at his growth is pretty cool. To look at the pitchers’ trust grow in him is pretty cool. And what he’s doing offensively, the most effective within the league.”
Kirk credited work on his mental approach in addition to the physical facets for his return to the ASG. His health also has been an element.
“I consider myself a whole hitter right away, greater than in prior years,” said Kirk. “I attempted to hit too many homers. I’m not considering myself a house run hitter anymore.
“This yr, I desired to be a whole hitter to hit the ball the opposite way, attempting to get runners in, discover a approach to help the team win.”
Schneider admired Kirk’s work ethic in returning to the shape he exhibited in 2022. The Toronto manager also noted Kirk has a laid-back and different personality.
“He’s a unicorn. He’s certainly one of one,” Schneider said. “In 2022, he turned a variety of heads in 2022. After a few tough years, he understands what he must do to be great within the box and he has put within the work.”
Kirk, who signed a US$58-million, five-year extension in spring training, played in his seventy fifth game on Sunday. He only suited up for 103 last yr and is on pace to succeed in his career-high of 139 outings in 2022.
“I’m doing all the things I can to assist the team win,” Kirk said. “I’m very comfortable and I’m feeling great right away.”
With the Blue Jays’ recent ascension to the highest of the American League East, Kirk hopes he can arrive in Atlanta next week in first place.
“It feels great being in first place,” Kirk said. “You possibly can feel it within the clubhouse. The vibes are great. Everybody is competing, going on the market doing all the things they’ll to win a game.”
“It’s awesome to be in first place.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 6, 2025.
© 2025 The Canadian Press