Blue Jays Catcher Brandon Valenzuela Debuts as Alejandro Kirk Hits IL

The 25-year-old Mexican catcher gets his first MLB call-up with the injury to Toronto's regular starter.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 5:50pm

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The Toronto Blue Jays have called up 25-year-old catcher Brandon Valenzuela from their Triple-A affiliate in Buffalo to join the big league roster, following an injury to starting catcher Alejandro Kirk that landed him on the Injured List. Valenzuela, who was acquired from the San Diego Padres in a trade last July, will make his MLB debut on Easter Sunday as the Blue Jays take on an opponent.

Why it matters

Valenzuela's promotion provides an opportunity for the young Mexican catcher to showcase his skills at the highest level, as the Blue Jays look to maintain their competitiveness in the AL East division race with Kirk sidelined. Valenzuela shares a connection with Kirk as fellow Mexican-born catchers in the Blue Jays organization.

The details

Brandon Valenzuela was acquired by the Blue Jays from the San Diego Padres in a trade last July, sending minor league infielder Will Wagner the other way. After hitting .207 with 3 home runs in 26 games at Triple-A Buffalo following the deal, Valenzuela has now earned his first MLB call-up to join the Blue Jays' active roster with Alejandro Kirk on the Injured List.

  • Brandon Valenzuela will make his MLB debut on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026.

The players

Brandon Valenzuela

A 25-year-old catcher from Mexico who was acquired by the Toronto Blue Jays from the San Diego Padres in a trade last July.

Alejandro Kirk

The regular starting catcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, who is currently on the Injured List with an undisclosed injury.

Will Wagner

A minor league infielder who the Blue Jays traded to the San Diego Padres last July in exchange for Brandon Valenzuela.

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What they’re saying

“This is a great opportunity for Brandon to show what he can do at the big league level. We have high hopes for him and know he'll make the most of this chance.”

— John Schneider, Blue Jays Manager

What’s next

The Blue Jays will monitor Alejandro Kirk's recovery timeline and determine when he may be able to return from the Injured List.

The takeaway

Brandon Valenzuela's MLB debut comes at an important time for the Blue Jays, as they look to maintain their position in the AL East race with their regular starting catcher sidelined. This call-up represents a chance for the young Mexican backstop to prove himself at the highest level of the game.