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Toronto Blue Jays: Reese McGuire’s days are numbered

ByClayton Richer|
BUFFALO, NEW YORK - AUGUST 30: Reese McGuire #42 of the Toronto Blue Jays catches a foul ball hit by Hanser Alberto #42 of the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Sahlen Field on August 30, 2020 in Buffalo, New York. All players are wearing #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. The day honoring Jackie Robinson, traditionally held on April 15, was rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Blue Jays are the home team and are playing their home games in Buffalo due to the Canadian government’s policy on coronavirus (COVID-19). (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NEW YORK - AUGUST 30: Reese McGuire #42 of the Toronto Blue Jays catches a foul ball hit by Hanser Alberto #42 of the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Sahlen Field on August 30, 2020 in Buffalo, New York. All players are wearing #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. The day honoring Jackie Robinson, traditionally held on April 15, was rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Blue Jays are the home team and are playing their home games in Buffalo due to the Canadian government’s policy on coronavirus (COVID-19). (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)

It would appear that the proverbial clock is ticking on Toronto Blue Jays backstop Reese McGuire days with the MLB squad.

Reese McGuire finds himself in a battle with Alejandro Kirk for the final roster spot, however, the 26-year old has done nothing this spring to strengthen his case. The catcher is batting just .182 with two hits in 11 spring at-bats while Kirk continues to impress with the stick.

Kirk in hitting .500 with five hits including a homer in 10 at-bats this spring and shows no signs of slowing down. The rookie has even impressed behind the dish as veteran hurler Tanner Roark recently publicly endorsed the efforts of the young backstop.

McGuire is out of options and would have to clear waivers in order for the Blue Jays to assign him to Triple-A. The brain trust could also look to trade McGuire although the return would be minimal especially considering his embarrassing brush with the law last season.

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In 63 career games, McGuire sports a .243/.281/.444 slash line with eight homers in 183 plate appearances. The Blue Jays acquired the catcher from the Pirates back in 2016 along with Francisco Liriano and Harold Ramirez in exchange for pitcher Drew Hutchison.

The organization is rich in catching depth and McGuire may become collateral damage as Kirk appears poised to snatch the everyday job away from Danny Jansen who has struggled offensively.

Along with McGuire, Jansen and Kirk the team also has Gabriel Moreno and Riley Adams on their 40-man roster. Moreno is currently ranked the 8th best prospect in the Blue Jays organization by MLB.com, two spots behind Kirk who is ranked 6th while Adams checks in at 23rd on the list.

There will undoubtedly be some clarity on the catching logjam in the coming weeks but my best guess says that McGuire will either be traded or exposed to waivers in the coming days.

It is “Captain Kirk” time in Toronto and there is no denying it.

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