Clock is ticking on Heineman as Kirk nears return to Blue Jays

byDavid Nazer •
0
Toronto Blue Jays catcher Tyler Heineman walks back to the dugout after striking out during the fifth inning of an April 20 game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. | William Liang-Imagn Images

Time may be running out for Toronto Blue Jays catcher Tyler Heineman. His spot on the roster is in trouble, as the veteran's recent struggles are being magnified by a rookie backstop's recent performance and the looming return of All-Star Alejandro Kirk.

Heineman and rookie catcher Brandon Valenzuela assumed Toronto's catching duties when Kirk broke his thumb last month in Chicago. It's been a rough season for Heineman, whose struggles were seen in Chicago right away both at the plate and in the field. The tough run was topped off with manager John Schneider's decision to pull Heineman after he left the bases loaded Sunday, a plate appearance where Heineman flew out on the first pitch he saw. The pitch was inside and in a spot that was impossible to get hood contact on.

As for Valenzuela, the 25-year-old catcher and switch hitter has provided some offense. Valenzuela has gone 10 for 50 with three home runs, six runs, six RBI, four walks and 17 strikeouts, all while posting a .259 on-base percentage and a .639 OPS. He's also thrown out five of 13 baserunners attempting to steal a base.

Kirk had surgery on his thumb last month, and resumed throwing last week. Schneider told media the hope was Kirk would start swinging a bat later this week.

Heineman on hot seat with Kirk progressing and rookie playing well

Meanwhile, Heineman, 34, is having a miserable season at the plate. The switch-hitter is just 9 for 51 with no extra-base hits, one walk and 14 strikeouts. He's posted a .222 on-base percentage with a ghastly .399 OPS. Behind the plate, Heineman has thrown out three of 15 baserunners trying to steal, just below the league average mark of 23.9 percent.

While few expected Heineman to duplicate his 2025 numbers ( when he hit .289/.361/.416 with a .777 OPS in 61 games), the drop-off this season is massive. His strikeout rate is 24.6 percent, up from 17.8 last season. A similar pattern can be seen with Heineman's 23.7 percent whiff rate, up from last season's 19.3 percent, and his 45.4 percent chase rate, up from 32.7 percent in 2025. His hard hit rate dropped to 12.5 percent this season, down from 22.4 in 2025.

Now when Kirk returns, he obviously goes back to being the everyday catcher. That's what happens when you're a two-time All-Star and a Silver Slugger winner. The backup catcher plays sparingly, usually to just give Kirk a day off or as a late-inning replacement when the Blue Jays pinch-run for Kirk.

Backup catchers are usually on MLB rosters for their defense and how they work with pitching staffs. They're usually not counted on for a ton of offense, which is good considering neither Valenzuela or Heineman are setting the world on fire at the plate. But Valenzuela is at least providing some offense, which may call Heineman's spot on the roster into question when Kirk is back.

Heineman is out of options, meaning he would have to be placed on waivers or he'll have to be designated for assignment, taking him off of the roster. The Blue Jays could lose Heineman to another team if he is claimed or refuses the DFA and becomes a free agent. Valenzuela has options and could just be sent back to Triple-A Buffalo.

Heineman could be protected if the Blue Jays want to maintain catching depth, or if the front office feels playing sparingly as the backup catcher will hurt Valenzuela's development as a player. He is listed as MLB Pipeline's number 24-ranked prospect in the Blue Jays system, but that's mainly for his defensive abilities and throwing arm. A lot of analysts see Valenzuela as a capable MLB backup catcher. Maybe he can take that job now.

Previous Post Next Post