Blue Jays' fan favorite will suit up for Team Mexico at World Baseball Classic

The captain is swapping his blue and white for red, white, and green this March.

Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk has been selected to represent Team Mexico at the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The tournament will run from March 5-17 and will be hosted in Japan, Puerto Rico, and the United States. Kirk is expected to be the starting catcher for Mexico.

Kirk will be Team Mexico's starting catcher this March

This is Kirk's first World Baseball Classic. He was originally chosen for the 2023 edition, but withdrew after his first child was born in February of that year. Born in Tijuana, Mexico, Kirk eventually became a staple for the Toronto Blue Jays, especially in 2025.

Fresh off a World Series appearance, Kirk wrapped up 2025 by being named to his second All-Star Game and put up career numbers at the plate. He hit a single-season, career-high of 18 home runs and 76 RBIs. Kirk would also slash .282/.348/.421 with an OPS of .769, each of those being his best batting totals since his first All-Star season in 2022.

The 27-year-old was also one of MLB's best catchers in 2025. His blocks above average were in the 100th percentile, and his framing was in the 98th percentile. His overall fielding sat in the 100th percentile as well, a stat that Mexico will benefit from this March.

However, Mexico will surely appreciate the services of somebody who had an incredible postseason run, especially in the World Series. He slashed .254/.349/.493 with an OPS of .842. Two of his five home runs and six of his 13 RBIs came during the World Series, which nearly helped Toronto capture its third World Championship in franchise history.

The most interesting piece to come out of Kirk's selection to Team Mexico is the news of Cody Ponce, who received an invitation to play for Mexico last month. Recently signed by the Blue Jays, if Ponce accepts the invitation or is allowed to participate, Kirk can begin developing chemistry with his new teammate for 2026.

Kirk is the second confirmed Blue Jay to be participating in the World Baseball Classic, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. expected to play for Team Dominican Republic. At the time of this writing, Team Mexico confirmed All-Stars Randy Arozarena, Isaac Parades, and Andres Munoz. Team Mexico will begin its quest for a World Baseball Classic title on March 6 against Great Britain at Daikin Park in Houston.