The Blue Jays made the right decision about their backup catcher

There was considerable criticism directed at the Toronto Blue Jays this offseason about their minimal pursuit of a quality backup catcher behind Tyler Heineman.

While they signed Christian Bethancourt and Ali Sánchez to minor league contracts with invites to spring training, Heineman’s familiarity with the pitching staff, plus his place on the 40-man roster, gave him a leg-up in camp. He ultimately did enough to earn the job. And after his first assignment behind the plate on Sunday, it’s fair to say the Jays made the right decision in letting the career journeyman get another shot.

Heineman had a decent spring at the plate, with five hits in 22 at-bats (.227 average), with a double and a pair of RBI, but he’s got a reputation as more of a glove-first catcher. It’s obvious that the 33-year-old has been working with new hitting coach David Popkins on techniques, and the early returns have been surprisingly successful.

In the bottom of the seventh inning on Sunday, with the Blue Jays clinging to a 2-1 lead, Heineman came up to the plate to face Orioles lefty Cionel Pérez. After taking the first pitch for a ball, the switch-hitting veteran stepped into a strong swing that drove the ball well over the right field seats for his second career home run, and a much-needed insurance run.

It was a no-doubter and Heineman relished the moment, admiring the ball in flight and tossing his bat with flair on his way to first base. It was his first big fly since 2019, so he can’t be blamed for his exuberance, and he admitted to Sportsnet's Hazel Mae postgame that he blacked out after his startling swat.

He also confirmed that he’s been working with Popkins and other Jays’ staff to generate as many “A-swings” as possible and not have to feel for the ball.

Heineman’s support behind the plate during Chris Bassitt's six solid innings added to his all-around effort on Sunday. Bassitt gave up eight hits and only allowed one run with seven strikeouts and two walks. The run allowed was on a wild pitch that the catcher failed to get in front of.

“I missed a block in the first. That hurt me a little, but he picked me up and did an unbelievable job of hitting his spots, mixing it up, and doing everything he could to help our club win," he told Mae.

Mae was sure to let Heineman know that he was also a key contributor in the win, which Jays fans hope will become a pattern.