Alejandro Kirk is not viewed as one of the great defensive catchers in baseball. He is considered to have cost the Toronto Blue Jays three runs behind the plate in just 44 games last year while throwing out only 19% of would-be base stealers.
Suffice to say, Kirk’s value is expected to come from his bat. At just 23 years old, and with his power and patient approach at the plate, he is expected to be a solid contributor for years to come. It is just a matter of refining his defense.
Alejandro Kirk has hidden value for Toronto Blue Jays
There is one area defensively where Kirk already excels. He is the best catcher in baseball when it comes to stealing low strikes, and ranks second behind Austin Barnes when it comes to framing pitches on the lower edges of the plate.
Chances are, this proficiency is due to Kirk’s size. He is just 5’8″ tall, making it easier for him to get those lower pitches. Likewise, from the umpire’s vantage point, his moving the ball up into the zone would not appear to be as much of a change in location.
That ability to steal strikes down in the zone can also be a benefit this season. The Blue Jays had signed Kevin Gausman to a five year contract, someone that has a tendency to work down in the zone. His usage of the splitter could lead to Kirk getting a lot of time behind the plate when Gausman takes the mound.
It is an ability that the Blue Jays can potentially use to their advantage. By focusing on pitchers who work down in the zone with splitters and sinkers, they may be able to steal a game or two just from Kirk’s ability to get those lower strikes. Considering the Blue Jays missed the playoffs by one game last year, that ability to make a big difference.
Alejandro Kirk may never be a Gold Glove caliber catcher, but he has value behind the plate. His ability to steal low strikes could make a difference for the Toronto Blue Jays.