TORONTO, CANADA – JULY 18: The front logo decal on the batting helmet of Jose Reyes #7 of the Toronto Blue Jays before the start of MLB game action against the Texas Rangers on July 18, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
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The Toronto Blue Jays have quietly developed a promising catching duo as the regular season winds down. What began with Alejandro Kirk carrying much of the responsibility behind the plate has evolved into a two-man setup that gives the club another option for the future.
Brandon Valenzuela emerged as an important part of the backstop equation during his rookie season. The 25-year-old has supplied 1.8 fWAR in 85 games, ranking 16th among catchers. His .216 batting average and .659 OPS leave plenty of room for improvement offensively, but nine doubles and eight home runs have provided some production while he continues establishing himself in the majors.
And with Kirk and Valenzuela giving the Blue Jays two established big-league catching options, the organization made another decision involving its depth at the position.
Toronto Blue Jays Move On From Veteran Catcher Just 2 Days Before End Of Season
On Friday, just two days before the official end of the Triple-A regular season, the Buffalo Bisons released veteran catcher William Simoneit, according to the official transaction log.
Simoneit joined the Blue Jays during the offseason on a minor league contract and spent the entire 2026 campaign with Buffalo. The 29-year-old right-handed hitter never reached the majors with Toronto, instead providing depth for an organization that had increasingly strong options ahead of him.
“Also heading to free agency is William Simoneit, a veteran minor leaguer who signed with the club during the offseason,” Tyson Shushkewich wrote for Blue Jays Nation. “Simoneit spent the entire season in Triple-A, going .247/.330/.386 at the plate with a .716 OPS. The right-handed bat also added 11 doubles and four home runs while tossing 22% of base stealers and playing some first base.”
The release gives Simoneit an opportunity to pursue another organization heading into the offseason. His minor league career has included stops with several organizations, including the Oakland Athletics, Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs before he eventually landed in Toronto.
The catcher also has some positional versatility, having seen time at first base in addition to his primary work behind the plate. His overall minor league career numbers include a .247 batting average, 31 home runs and a .736 OPS.
Toronto Blue Jays Cut Veteran Backstop After Brandon Valenzuela Update
Simoneit’s departure comes at a time when Toronto’s catching picture looks considerably different from a year ago. Kirk remains an established major league option, while Valenzuela’s emergence has given the Blue Jays another young player capable of handling significant work.
That development naturally reduces the need to retain additional veteran minor league depth, particularly with the organization preparing for another offseason of roster decisions.
The Blue Jays will now head into the offseason with Kirk and Valenzuela providing a clear foundation behind the plate, while Simoneit will look for his next opportunity after becoming a free agent.
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