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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
Adam Hackenberg is a 26-year-old catcher who has spent five professional seasons with the Chicago White Sox organization.
Alejandro Kirk suffered a fractured thumb, which led to his placement on the injured list.
Hackenberg's signing enhances the Blue Jays' catching depth in light of Kirk's injury, providing a reliable option at Triple-A Buffalo.

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Before signing Hackenberg, Buffalo listed two catchers on its active roster.
William Simoneit, 29, was not in affiliated baseball in 2025. He’s caught all of 30 games at the Triple-A level prior to this season, and none since 2023.
C.J. Stubbs, also 29, has only a little more experience catching at the upper levels of the minors. He started 30 games behind the plate last year for the Washington Nationals’ Triple-A affiliate and one in the majors — his big league debut.
Prior to last season, however, Stubbs had started only eight Triple-A games at catcher. He’s a career .209/.343/.403 hitter at the minors’ highest level.
Enter Hackenberg, who could get a long runway to re-establish his career with a new organization. Kirk is expected to miss at least six weeks with his latest injury.