The Toronto Blue Jays find themselves in a rare position. Their catching depth is the envy of the majors, with a stellar young catcher in Alejandro Kirk and backups that could potentially start on several other major league teams. The Blue Jays also have top catching prospect Gabriel Moreno waiting in the wings, getting him occasional plate appearances at catcher and designated hitter to keep his bat in the lineup as he awaits his chance.
That chance is coming sooner than expected. Moreno is getting the call to the majors as he is set to be promoted in time for the Blue Jays’ series with the Tigers this weekend.
Toronto Blue Jays have to find place for Gabriel Moreno
Moreno certainly deserves a chance based on his performance at Triple-A. He has posted a solid .323/.377/.406 batting line in his 146 plate appearances. Although his power numbers are down, with just eight doubles and a home run, he is still drawing walks and making strong contact at an impressive rate.
The biggest problem is finding a spot for Moreno in the Blue Jays lineup. Danny Jansen may be on the Injured List, but Zack Collins was brought back to Toronto as their backup catcher. Alejandro Kirk has had an excellent season as the Blue Jays’ primary catcher this year. As Collins has been the Bleu Jays primary designated hitter as well, that would seemingly limit those opportunities.
Moreno also does not have much experience at other positions. He has three appearances at third, all of which came in 2021. His only appearance at first base came in the Venezuelan Winter League during the 2020-21 offseason. Kirk has strictly been a catcher or a designated hitter in his professional career. There will be a logjam as it comes to playing time.
This is a good problem to have. The Blue Jays will find at bats for both Kirk and Moreno, likely at Collins’ expense. However, as the Blue Jays look to find ways to beef up their roster to continue to push towards the postseason, Moreno’s potential is far more valuable in the lineup.
The Toronto Blue Jays are giving their top prospect a chance in the majors. Gabriel Moreno is set to make his debut this weekend.