The Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly signed a catcher who is set to play in the WBC.
The WBC kicked off on March 4, and the tournament showcases some of the best MLB players. However, there are some players who aren’t affiliated with MLB teams, and Toronto has signed an intriguing catcher.
MLB insider Francys Romero reported that the Blue Jays have signed Team Italy’s catcher Giaconino Lasaracina.
“Hours before the start of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, the first player from a tournament roster has already signed with an MLB organization,” Romero wrote on X. “Catcher Giaconino Lasaracina, 22, who is on Italy’s roster, has signed with the Toronto Blue Jays.”
The news was confirmed by the Blue Jays, as it’s listed on their transaction log.
The 6-foot-3 catcher was actually born in Venezuela but has been playing in Italy for years. According to his Baseball Reference page, Lasaracina has three seasons listed in the Italian Serie A baseball league, from 2022 to 2024.
Over his three seasons, Lasaracina’s bat has been a major part of his success as the 22-year-old hit .374 with a 1.030 OPS. However, that was in just 91 games, as he hit 36 doubles, eight triples, six home runs, and 73 RBIs. He’s also stolen 16 bases, showing off some speed.
What level Lasaracina will play at with the Blue Jays is uncertain. But, for now, he’s on Team Italy and will look to gain further experience against high-level competition.
Lasaracina Adds Catching Depth for Blue Jays
The signing of Lasaracina is an intriguing one as it adds some much-needed catching depth for the Blue Jays.
Toronto has Alejandro Kirk as their starting catcher. The 27-year-old is entering the first year of his five-year, $58 million deal and is one of the best catchers in all of baseball.
Kirk hit .282 with 15 home runs and 76 RBIs last season with the Blue Jays.
Behind Kirk, Tyler Heineman is expected to serve as Toronto’s starting catcher this season. Heineman inked a one-year, $1.2375 million deal to avoid arbitration, and the 34-year-old is under team control through 2028.
Behind Heineman, Toronto’s catching depth is thin. The Blue Jays did acquire Brandon Valenzuela last season and he’s expected to play in Triple-A and be the next catcher up if there is an injury.
Past Valenzuela, the Blue Jays have Edward Duran, who’s the team’s 19th-ranked prospect but is in High-A. So, Lasaracina could likely begin in A or AA and give Toronto some more depth behind the plate.
John Schneider Sends Clear Message to Team
Toronto was a surprise team last season as the Blue Jays made it to the World Series.
However, the Blue Jays lost in Game 7 of the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ahead of the season, Blue Jays manager John Schneider said the team is turning the page.
“We’re not defending anything, we’re not defending the AL East, we’re not defending the American League, we’re attacking 2026 like we did ’25, we’re trying to win the division. We’re trying to win the World Series,” said Schneider.
Toronto enters 2026 as one of the top teams in the AL and has the fifth-best odds of winning the World Series.
Blue Jays Sign Solid Hitting WBC Catcher in Intriguing Move