Alejandro Kirk’s journey in the big leagues has been anything but ordinary. Known early on for his bat as he rose through the Toronto Blue Jays system, Kirk has flipped the script in recent years - evolving into one of the most reliable defensive catchers in all of baseball. And now, even without a Gold Glove on his shelf, he’s getting the recognition his glove has long deserved.
MLB.com’s Mike Petriello recently unveiled his list of the top defensive players in the league, and Kirk didn’t just make the cut - he cracked the top 10 across all positions, landing at No. 7 overall. That’s elite company.
And what makes it more impressive? Kirk is one of only three players on the list who hasn’t yet won a Gold Glove, joining Denzel Clarke of the A’s and Jacob Young of the Nationals.
In other words, the league’s insiders are taking notice of what Kirk brings behind the plate, even if the hardware hasn’t caught up yet.
Let’s talk numbers, because they paint the picture of a catcher who’s not just solid - he’s elite. Over six seasons with Toronto, Kirk has posted a .993 fielding percentage, committing just 27 errors and allowing only 15 passed balls.
That kind of consistency is rare in a position that demands so much physically and mentally. Add in 45 Defensive Runs Saved and a career caught-stealing rate of 22.7%, and it’s clear Kirk isn’t just holding down the position - he’s elevating it.
But it’s the advanced metrics that really spotlight how far Kirk’s game has come. In 2025, he ranked in the 100th percentile in Blocks Above Average (21) and sat in the 98th percentile in pitch framing, according to Baseball Savant.
Translation? He’s turning borderline pitches into strikes and keeping would-be wild pitches in front of him at an elite rate.
That’s the kind of stuff that changes innings - and games.
What makes Kirk even more valuable is that he’s not just a defensive specialist. He’s coming off one of his most complete seasons at the plate, hitting .282 with a .769 OPS, 15 homers, 76 RBI, and 45 runs scored over 130 games. That’s a rare blend - a catcher who can control the game defensively and still be a productive force in the lineup.
And let’s not forget the context: this is a Blue Jays roster stacked with defensive talent. Daulton Varsho, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Andrés Giménez, and Myles Straw all have Gold Gloves to their names.
Yet it’s Kirk - the guy without the award - who earned a spot among MLB’s top 10 defenders. That says a lot about the respect he’s earned across the league and the kind of impact he’s making behind the dish.
With Kirk anchoring the defense and continuing to contribute offensively, the Blue Jays have a cornerstone at one of the game’s most demanding positions. Quietly, confidently, and without much flash, he’s become one of the best all-around catchers in baseball. And while the Gold Glove might still be waiting, the league is already taking notice - and so should everyone else.