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Blue Jays sign 26-year-old free agent catcher in wake of Alejandro Kirk injury
TL;DR
The Toronto Blue Jays signed 26-year-old catcher Adam Hackenberg to a minor league contract following Alejandro Kirk's injury. Hackenberg will be assigned to Triple-A Buffalo.
Key points
- Toronto Blue Jays signed Adam Hackenberg to a minor league contract
- Hackenberg is 26 years old and previously played for the Chicago White Sox
- The signing follows Alejandro Kirk's injury
Toronto Blue JaysChicago White SoxAlejandro Kirk
The Toronto Blue Jays bolstered their catching depth this week.
After their top backstop was badly injured, the Jays signed free agent catcher Adam Hackenberg to a minor league contract and assigned him to Triple-A Buffalo.
Hackenberg, 26, is a veteran of five professional seasons (2021-25), all with the Chicago White Sox organization.
MORE: Blue Jays All-Star has fractured thumb, immediately placed on injured list
The signing comes days after the Blue Jays’ starting catcher, Alejandro Kirk, underwent surgery on his right thumb April 14. A two-time All-Star, Kirk was placed on the injured list after he took a foul tip off the thumb during the Blue Jays’ April 10 game against the White Sox at Rate Field.
Hackenberg split the 2025 season between the White Sox’s Double-A and Triple-A affiliates, slashing .206/.263/.298.
In 38 games with Triple-A Charlotte, Hackenberg slashed .218/.273/.301 with one home run and 11 RBIs. he has spent parts of the last three seasons with the White Sox’s top farm team, slashing .218/.305/.301.
MORE: Blue Jays sign two-time All-Star to $1 million contract
The Blue Jays summoned Brandon Valenzuela from Buffalo in the immediate aftermath of Kirk’s injury. But behind Valenzuela, a 25-year-old rookie, and veteran backup Tyler Heineman, the Blue Jays organization offered little depth at catcher in case of another injury.
Q&A
Who is Adam Hackenberg and what is his background?
Adam Hackenberg is a 26-year-old catcher who has spent five professional seasons with the Chicago White Sox organization.
What injury did Alejandro Kirk sustain?
Alejandro Kirk suffered a fractured thumb, which led to his placement on the injured list.
What impact does Adam Hackenberg's signing have on the Blue Jays?
Hackenberg's signing enhances the Blue Jays' catching depth in light of Kirk's injury, providing a reliable option at Triple-A Buffalo.
