MLB rumors: 3 best catchers likely changing teams this offseason

3. MLB rumors: Trading Alejandro Kirk can fill another Blue Jays need

If Murphy’s 2022 season left us impressed, take a look at what All-Star Alejandro Kirk did. He batted .285/.372/.415 for the Toronto Blue Jays. Adding 14 home runs along the way, Kirk established himself as one of the more reliable offensive catchers in baseball. He took home a Silver Slugger and seems to be on the right path toward many productive years.

The freshly turned 24-year-old has become a major trade candidate because right behind him is Gabriel Moreno. A top prospect for the Blue Jays last year, he’s now 25 games into his MLB career and producing at the plate.

Carrying two catchers as talented as they are doesn’t make any sense for the Blue Jays. Trading Kirk this offseason and filling another need could be on their agenda.

Kirk’s name is already appearing in some early offseason MLB rumors. As Jim Bowden reports, Kirk and Murphy are two of the names the Guardians are seeking:

Teams that may have less of a desire to sign Contreras would be candidates to add Kirk to their roster. Even the Cubs, who could go into 2023 with a tandem of Kirk and Yan Gomes, could make some sense.

A game of musical chairs often happens with catchers in the offseason because the position is so specific. Although there are some very obvious destinations for some of these players, we can never rule out the possibility of a general manager waking up one day and deciding it’s time for a big change.