The MLB deadline for getting contracts done rather than them going to salary arbitration is this week.
The Toronto Blue Jays got to work to get one deal out of the way.
On Thursday, they reached an agreement with catcher Tyler Heineman on a $1,237,500 salary for the upcoming season, according to Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith.
It ensures the Blue Jays have their backup catcher on board after an effective season.
Heineman had his best MLB season with Toronto in 2025. He had a.289 batting average with three home runs in 149 at bats while backing up Alejandro Kirk.
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His 1.9 Wins Above Replacement accounted for the majority of his career 2.6 WAR.
Heineman is 34 years old and has been a late bloomer in his MLB career, but better late than never.
Backup catcher is one of those roles that teams simply want to get right. They'll do what they can to keep around a guy who has proven reliable in working with their pitching staff and in having a good relationship with the starter.
Heineman has been with the Blue Jays for a stint in 2022, another in 2023 and another in 2024 before finally getting to spend the entire 2025 season just with Toronto and not bouncing to another team.
With the Blue Jays trying to overcome a season that saw them lose in Game 7 of the World Series, Heineman will be an unheralded part of keeping things steady and pushing Toronto toward its ultimate goal.
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