SEATTLE — Alejandro Kirk learned of his election as the starting catcher for the American League at the All-Star Game, shared the news with his family and the reality of the moment didn’t immediately sink in.
“Very emotional, for me and my entire family,” Kirk said Friday in the Toronto Blue Jays' dugout shortly after word of his victory over Jose Trevino of the New York Yankees, and that of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. over Seattle Mariners first baseman Ty France, became public. “We're very, very close and we just can't believe it yet, mom, dad, brothers. It’s an unbelievable feeling.”
Deservedly so for the 23-year-old, whose quiet, steady demeanour belies the drive that pushed him from an intriguing prospect in 2020 to a definitive all-star selection.
Unlike Guerrero, a starter in the Midsummer Classic for a second straight year, Kirk wasn’t always on this type of trajectory.
Guerrero joined the franchise in 2015 on a $3.9 million signing bonus and was immediately projected as a future cornerstone. Kirk signed a year later for $30,000 after special assignment scout Dean Decillis identified him at a tryout where another backstop was the initial target.
That they’re headed to Los Angeles together to represent the Blue Jays demonstrates the range of the club’s international scouting department.
“Obviously two very different stories — one was a very lengthy pursuit and one where a special assignment scout was aggressive, did a good job, picked up the phone and we got to work quick to make it make it happen,” said Andrew Tinnish, the club’s vice-president, international scouting. “Those are both good stories, of course, but obviously a guy like Kirk who signs for 30-grand, passed over at least one year by every team, the road is a little bit longer. So a cool story getting here and now of course starting the all-star game.”
It wasn’t that easy, of course.
Even back when he signed, Kirk had the short, level swing that keeps his barrel in the zone forever, and ability to control an at-bat, but his defence has required steady work, even with strong natural tools.
Blue Jays bullpen catcher Luis Hurtado, who managed Kirk’s first pro season in 2017 and worked with him throughout his time in the minor leagues, marvels at the progress from those early days to now.
“We know that he's a guy with a quick release, quick transfer so he can throw guys out,” said Hurtado. “But the way he's receiving the ball now is way better than it used to be in the minor leagues. Plus the maturity behind the plate, in how he's been calling games, is one thing that impressed me a lot.”
None of it is by accident.
Kirk pointed to “all the work I’ve put in all these years,” and it wasn’t just work for the sake of work. Instead, he methodically addressed the various areas of his game and pushed things to another level this season.
"Basically, we put a lot of emphasis on his routine,” said Hurtado. “We have a couple drills, like with the heavy balls to work on his low pitches and his hands. We know that he's got great hands, but it's something that we've got to stay on top of. His work ethic is one of the best. This year he's getting more opportunity, more playing time behind the plate and he deserves that.”
In doing so, he’s also set an example for top prospect Gabriel Moreno, his close friend who is following his lead. Like Moreno, Kirk arrived in the majors quickly, promoted in September 2020 after winning everyone over at the alternate training site during the pandemic summer.
The Blue Jays protected him early, trying to ease his transition, and gradually he progressed to where he is now.
“The key to everything is the experience,” Kirk said through interpreter Hector Lebron. “Experience is what got me here. That's the way I got better.”
Asked for specific differences, Kirk said, “calling games is one. But the most important ways are my communication with the pitchers and knowing the entire staff. That's helped me out, especially in calling the games. That's been the biggest stride from 2020 to here.”
Guerrero, like Kirk, has also taken major strides since then, blossoming into an AL MVP runner-up last year while also winning MVP honours at the All-Star Game. This season, his path back hasn’t been quite as smooth, but he’s still found ways to help carry the Blue Jays and he’ll savour the experience in Los Angeles differently than the one in Denver.
“The first one, I really believe I accomplished everything that I had in mind,” Guerrero said via Lebron. “Now for the second one, I'll do the same thing. But most important, is to spend time with all my all-star teammates.”
That’s the part Kirk is really looking forward to, as well, along with sharing the experience with his family. He figures his dad, Juan Manuel, will especially get a kick out of being part of the festivities and Kirk is looking forward to an in-person celebration with the whole clan.
“We're not the type of family to party too much, but I'm sure we're going to have a nice dinner when I get there,” Kirk said with a grin. “We'll find a way, but definitely we're going to celebrate.”
