TORONTO, ON – JUNE 14: Gabriel Moreno #55 of the Toronto Blue Jays throws the ball while making his home debut in a MLB game against the Baltimore Orioles at Rogers Centre on June 14, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
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The Toronto Blue Jays have quietly developed an intriguing one-two punch behind the plate, making it a little easier to watch one of their former catchers become a star elsewhere.
When Alejandro Kirk suffered a fractured left thumb early in the season, Brandon Valenzuela was given an unexpected opportunity. The rookie quickly emerged as a legitimate backstop option, forming a promising tandem with Kirk after the veteran returned.
While the Blue Jays have plenty to be optimistic about regarding their own catching depth chart, fans might still be disappointed that the team didn’t hang onto a former player who has developed into one of the best backstops in the game.
Former Toronto Blue Jays Catcher Poised To Make History After Trade
In 2022 Gabriel Moreno, the Blue Jays traded Gabriel Moreno to the Arizona Diamondbacks and he has since established himself as one of baseball’s most intriguing young catchers. Now his latest season could put him in position for a historic payday.
Moreno was the centerpiece of Toronto’s return in the trade that brought Daulton Varsho to the Blue Jays. Varsho became an important part of Toronto’s roster before being traded to the Houston Astros earlier this summer, while Moreno has continued developing into a star in Arizona.
And soon, that performance could soon mean financial history for the Blue Jays’ former trade castoff.
“Arizona Diamondbacks prized catcher Gabriel Moreno, the gift that keeps on giving in a trade from Toronto, could be in line to become the game’s richest catcher,” Bob Nightengale wrote for USA Today. “He could eclipse the 10-year, $140 million contract Will Smith signed with the (Los Angeles) Dodgers two years ago if they can work out an extension this winter.”
Toronto Blue Jays Might Regret Losing Superstar Catcher
Given Moreno’s success, it might be hard for the Blue Jays to look back on their trade decision with pride.
“Moreno is on pace to join elite company, ranking behind Buster Posey (2017) who was the last qualified catcher to bat .300 or higher with 15 or more home runs,” Vanessa Serrao noted for Yardbarker. “With two weeks remaining in the season and Moreno batting .423 with three home runs in his last seven games, he has a good chance to meet the mark.”
But the development of Valenzuela alongside Kirk has given the Blue Jays a good reason to feel comfortable about their catching future, even without one of the best young options in all of MLB.
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