It took five years for a Mexican to return to the MLB World Series. This time it will be Alejandro Kirk’s turn to put Mexico’s name in the spotlight, with a great story of overcoming adversity.
Kirk struggled to earn an opportunity with an MLB franchise because of his physique, as he is only 5 feet 8 inches tall.
It was pure coincidence that the Blue Jays saw his talent. Scout Dean Decillis had traveled to Mexico to see other talent and on that trip he happened to see the Tijuana native
After his trip, Decillis convinced Andrew Tinnish, the Blue Jays’ vice president of international scouting, to sign him.“He can catch, he can throw, he’s got really good hands, he’s got a line drive bat and a really simple swing and he controls the strike zone. However, I have to be honest with you… he doesn’t have a great physique,” Decillis told Tinnish.
Thanks to that conversation, the Blue Jays offered the Mexican a $30,000 contract. Kirk didn’t think twice and went to Toronto. In the beginning, he was mistaken for a clubhouse assistant or stadium employee
Those confusions are now behind him and today he is one of the best catchers in MLB.
Great season for Kirk… Gold Glove
The Mexican catcher played 130 regular season games, and produced 15 home runs and 76 RBIs, his best year at bat
Those statistics earned him a call-up to his second All-Star Game in the last four seasons.
Due to his great performances, Alejandro was nominated for the American League Gold Glove. The award will be presented on November 2 and his rivals are Dillon Dingler (Tigers) and Carlos Narvaez (Red Sox)
The Blue Jays have already left the Yankees and Mariners in the dust, now they will look to take the World Series away from the Dodgers
Kirk and the 2026 World Baseball Classic?
Alejandro Kirk missed Mexico’s historic participation in the 2023 World Baseball Classic due to the birth of his son
However, for the 2026 edition, it seems that Mexican national team coach Benjamin Gil has him in mind for the 2026 edition.
Read the full article here
