For the Blue Jays, an upgrade at catcher should be on trade deadline priority list: 3 targets

With the trade deadline nearly here, speculation is going to ramp up even more for the Blue Jays. Despite the talent already on the roster, they need more to strengthen what has been underachieving ballclub so far in 2023.

The need for another starting pitcher and bat have been at the top of the list of discussions in recent weeks. However, another position which could use a boost is catcher.

The Blue Jays entered this season with what was regarded as one of the best catcher tandems in the Majors. And this was even after trading top prospect Gabriel Moreno to the Diamondbacks.

Kirk versus Jansen

However, projections have not worked out as planned with the duo of Alejandro Kirk and Danny Jansen. Not that they don't have the talent; they just haven't performed up to expectations.

Kirk in particular has been a disappointment, specifically on offense. He excelled last year with a .284 batting average, which resulted in 14 homers, 63 RBI and a .786 OPS.

The 24-year-old earned his first All-Star invitation and won the the AL Silver Slugger of the Year at the catcher position. Unfortunately for him, he's suffered a fall from grace this season.

So far in 2023, Kirk has just four home runs and 25 RBI, while seeing his OPS drop to .662. Yes the ability is still there, but he's just not producing enough.

In this respect, Jansen has been the better hitter. By comparison, he has 13 home runs, 45 RBI and a .773 OPS. (For his home run and RBI totals, he is on course to set personal single-season highs in both categories.)