Alejandro Kirk was one of the primary contributors in the Toronto Blue Jays making their deepest postseason run in more than 30 years.
With a .842 OPS in the postseason, Kirk once again proved he can thrive when it matters most. Unfortunately, it came to a bitter end as his double-play ended the Blue Jays season in Game 7. However, he will now have a chance to perform in a postseason atmosphere once again, only it will not come for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Kirk is one of Mexico’s national team members who have confirmed participation in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Ahead of the tournament that begins in March, Mexico’s national team manager Benji Gil made his feelings clear on the Blue Jays’ All-Star catcher.
Mexico Manager Sends Message to Toronto Blue Jays’ Alejandro Kirk
Benji Gil joined the MLB Network Hot Stove and discussed the upcoming Mexican team for the World Baseball Classic. Regarding Kirk’s participation in the tournament and his role on the team Gil said, “I think he commands a certain presence. Maybe not with his voice, but just his presence. Having been in the World Series, a couple of All-Star games, and the position he plays. He might be a quiet leader, but I think whenever he has something to say, everybody is going to be all ears.”
The Tijuana-born Kirk was unable to participate in the 2023 World Baseball Classic due to the birth of his child. He was replaced by Dodgers’ backup catcher Austin Barnes as Team Mexico made a run to the WBC semi-finals.
Kirk will now join a Mexico team that features All-Stars Randy Arozarena, Jarren Duran, and his childhood friend Jonathan Aranda. Aranday, the Rays’ first baseman, supported Kirk during the World Series as he showed up to games wearing Kirk’s jersey from the childhood team they both played at. During the World Series, Aranda said, “I want to see him (Kirk) win the ring, he deserves it.” Unfortunately Kirk and the Blue Jays were unable to win that ring, but the catcher now gets a chance to play with a childhood friend as they represent their country.
Blue Jays in the World Baseball Classic
Toronto Blue Jays’ star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will also be participating in the World Baseball Classic for the first time. Despite being a Canadian citizen, Guerrero will be joining the Dominican Republic squad. He was set to play for them in 2023 as well, but pulled out after suffering from right knee discomfort.
Additionally, Ernie Clement, Yariel Rodriguez, and newly-signed Kazuma Okamoto will also be representing their countries in the tournament. So far, the Blue Jays will have representatives in five different countries. Currently, they have no representation with the Canadian team, but that could change soon as pitcher Adam Macko is a candidate to join Team Canada.
Despite being an electric atmosphere and event, the World Baseball Classic has presented some bad injury luck in the past, and the Blue Jays will be hoping to avoid that during the March tournament.
Mexican WBC Manager Sends Clear Message on Blue Jays’ Alejandro Kirk