No one on the Blue Jays is surprised at the season Alejandro Kirk is having. Since a strong training camp in 2020, the legend of Kirk has been growing around Toronto. But, in the wider baseball universe, Kirk may fly under the radar. Well, perhaps, until now.
“The secret weapon that I think isn’t necessarily that secret anymore now that he’s in the All-Star Game,” said Blue Jays reliever Adam Cimber.
Indeed, the secret will be revealed Tuesday as Kirk is set to introduce himself on baseball’s biggest stage under the bright lights of Los Angeles. The fan favorite Kirk will start in his first Midsummer Classic at Dodger Stadium as the American League’s catcher after receiving 74 percent of the vote.
How did the Blue Jays get Alejandro Kirk?
Born in Tijuana, Mexico, he began playing baseball when he was 3 years old. He eventually became a catcher, following in the footsteps of his older brother. At a showcase, Blue Jays scout Dean Decillis was in attendance to watch another player, when Kirk instead caught his eye.
The Blue Jays eventually signed the teenaged Kirk as an international free agent in 2016, paying $30,000 (US) to his Mexican League club, Toros de Tijuana, per a report from Sportsnet, of which Kirk received $7,500, a small sum in comparison to the millions some top prospects command.
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