Catcher Alejandro Kirk, who earned his second All-Star selection during the 2025 season, played a key role in helping the Toronto Blue Jays enjoy a historic year, as they won the AL East for the first time since 2015 and won the pennant for the first time since 1993.

Alongside being as reliable as ever in defensive situations behind home plate, Kirk also made plenty of useful contributions with the bat, ending the regular season with a .282 batting average, 15 home runs and 76 RBIs.

With Kirk set to stay at the Rogers Centre through 2030 and back-up Tyler Heinemann capable of deputizing ably when called upon, the Blue Jays appear to be in a great spot when it comes to quality catching options.

Justifying the Blue Jays’ lack of interest in free agent J.T. Realmuto via X on Sunday, Davis Schneider’s dad, Steve, made the same argument, going as far as to label Kirk as “the best in the American League”.

“Because we have the best catcher in the American League and a good back up switch hitting catcher who also throws in relief and can pull a 🐇 out of a 🎩…” Steve Schneider posted

Though Kirk has carried out his duties with aplomb, this was quite a bold claim on Steve Schneider’s part, considering the historic season Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has just enjoyed.

“I love this team”: Davis Schneider reflects on 2025 season after Blue Jays suffer World Series heartbreak

Having endured a disappointing 2024 season that saw them finish bottom of the AL East, the Toronto Blue Jays‘ exploits in 2025 perhaps defied the expectations of even the most optimistic of fans.

With every step they took, it continued to look more and more like it was destined to be their year. However, things heartbreakingly fell apart right at the very last, as the LA Dodgers completed a late comeback to pour cold water over the Blue Jays’ dreams of a first championship since 1993.

Soon after their season concluded, outfielder Davis Schneider took to Instagram to reflect on a “special” year.

“I love this team. The people in this organization are some of the greatest humans I ever known. I loved coming to the park everyday and sharing this stupid kids game with all people I get to call my best friends. Such selfless group of rag tag dudes who love just playing baseball with each other at the highest level. Not the outcome we wanted or hoped for but man what a year.

“I love every single guy in that clubhouse. We went to work each day and gave it our all. The fans, the city, the whole entire country made this year special and I’m forever grateful to play for a fan base that embodies what a true fan base is all about. I’m so lucky to play for this city and for Canada. I’m proud to be a Blue Jay,” Schneider posted.

After resting up in the offseason months to come, Davis Schneider and company will once again embark on the quest to win it all in 2026.