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Alejandro Kirk has heartwarming reaction to All-Star nod

Blue Jays catcher says this time around, the game will be a little more special.
ByMatthew Sookram|
Jun 19, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk (30) celebrates with teammates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the second inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Jun 19, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk (30) celebrates with teammates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the second inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images | Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Captain Kirk is heading to the All-Star game. The Toronto Blue Jays backstop made the team as a reserve, behind Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners who rightfully earned the starts job. This will be the second time the 26-year-old from Tijuana, Mexico will be playing in the mid-summer classic, following his appearance at the 2002 event at Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles.

Kirk was asked by reporters about anything he’s looking forward to this time around compared to the first time and he answered with a smile saying, “It’s obviously very emotional the first time around, but I think this one is going to be more special because I get to go with my daughter,” he said through interpreter Hector Lebron.

It’s always fun to see the human side to these players and hearing the joy behind Kirk’s voice about getting to be at the All-Star game as a dad just makes you want to root for this guy even more.

It’s been hard not to root for him this season as he’s been putting together one of the best offensive seasons not only of his career, but by any Blue Jays catcher in franchise history. He’s slashing .301/.359/.413 with a .772 OPS. He’s hit seven home runs this year and he’s on pace to hit double digits. If he does it would only be the second time he’s done that in his career and the first time since he hit 14 in 2022.

That was also the last time Kirk was an All-Star, when he finished with a .285/.372/.415 slash line with a .786 OPS, driving in 63 runs with 134 hits, which are all career highs. Hitting for consistency and driving the ball hard into the gaps is something Kirk admires more than just putting the ball over the wall.

“I don't consider myself a home-run hitter. This year, complete hitter, trying to hit the ball the other way, trying to get the runners in, find a way to help the team win.”

Kirk has helped the team win not only with his bat but with his elite defensive skills. His eight catcher framing runs is tied with Patrick Bailey of the Giants for the best mark in the league and Kirk leads all catchers with 12 blocks above average. He’s also thrown out 16 would be base stealers in 54 attempts which is among the best percentages in the game.

Kirk will join teammate Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in Atlanta for the 2025 All-Star game, a recognition that is well deserved for Toronto’s catcher, who signed a five-year extension during Spring Training.