WORLD SERIES Spotlight: Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk is unlikely October hero

He’s a spark plug built like a fireplug.

Listed at 5-foot-8 and 245 pounds, catcher Alejandro Kirk defied every conventional scouting stereotype to become a key contributor for the Toronto Blue Jays as they seek to dethrone the Los Angeles Dodgers in the  2025 World Series.

On a team that boasts such clutch postseason hitters as Vlad Guerrero Jr. and George Springer, Kirk has become an unlikely October hero. From the 2025 ALDS series against the Yankees, the ALCS vs. the Mariners and through Game 5 of the World Series, Kirk has 5 home runs, 13 RBI and 16 hits in 16 games.

His production has been overshadowed by Guerrero’s sizzling streak since the ALDS, but Kirk’s power numbers compare favorably to the Jays’ superstar first baseman (8 HR and 16 RBI) and Springer, a seasoned postseason veteran who had 4 homers, 9 ribbies and 14 hits before an injury forced him out of the lineup in Game 3.

Kirk is the type of gritty player who embodies the beautiful universality of baseball — success can come in all shapes, sizes and countries. Born in Tijuana, Mexico, the 26-year-old backstop was discovered at a Mexican League showcase and signed by Toronto for a paltry $30,000.

Despite his atypical height and body type — and being one of the slowest baserunners in the game — Kirk’s defense and solid bat convinced Toronto brass he was worth a shot.

He became the Jays’ full-time catcher in 2022 and had arguably his best season in ’25 with career highs in home runs (15) and RBI (76), and made his second All-Star Game appearance.

Kirk’s clutch 3-run blast early in Game 3 would have made him the hero if not for Toronto’s agonizing 18-inning loss, thought it proved how valuable he is as the upstart Jays continue their quest for their first title since 1993.

Johnmaxmena2, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; LatinoBaseball.com illustration