Toronto Blue Jays catcher Tyler Heineman is likely on his way out of Toronto
Photo credit: Amazin' Avenue
The Toronto Blue Jays have an interesting situation on their hands with catcher Tyler Heineman who is currently out of minor league options on his contract.
The Blue Jays recently acquired another catcher as they signed former Chicago Cubs catcher Christian Bethancourt to a minor league contract with a Spring Training invitation.
The Jays have also added a couple of catchers to minor-league deals. Most recently, they signed Christian Bethancourt who had a 66 wRC+ in 147 plate appearances. His career wRC+ is 71 with okay defensive abilities. Ali Sánchez is in a similar boat with far less experience. -Delaney
The Blue Jays might have to get rid of catcher Tyler Heineman
At the start of the off-season, Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins made it clear that the team was happy with their current catcher duo of Alejandro Kirk and Heineman but have since signed a couple catchers.
Kirk is of course their main catcher but since Heineman has had a shaky career especially at the plate in the majors and no longer has any minor league options, the Blue Jays might need to look into moving him this off-season.
In total, there are four players - Zach Pop, Tommy Nance, Tyler Heineman, and Ernie Clement - that need to make the team's 26-man roster out of Spring Training. If they don't, the Blue Jays will have to designated them for assignment and hope that they clear. -Delaney
If the Blue Jays decide to keep Heineman, he will need to make the 26 man roster out of Spring Training if not he will be designated for assignment since he is out of minor league options.
Since the Blue Jays signed Ali Sanchez and Bethancourt, it might be a smart option to look at moving Heineman since if he is DFA'd and placed on waivers, he will likely get picked up.
The issue with Heineman is not his defense which is not too bad but it is his offense as he had a .100 batting average and .308 on base percentage in 13 plate appearances last season.
Tyler Heineman is now in stint #3 with the Blue Jays. He's never particularly hit well with the team, most recently slashing .100/.308/.100 in 13 plate appearances, but he provides solid enough defence. -Delaney
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