Kirk was an All-Star and a Silver Slugger winner in 2022 when he slashed .285/.372/.415 with 19 doubles, 14 home runs and 63 RBIs. He wasn’t able to replicate those results last year as he hit .250/.334/.358 with 16 doubles, eight home runs and 43 RBIs. However, he appears to be in much better shape this spring and has hit two home runs in his first five games. After losing Matt Chapman in free agency and not adding much offense this offseason outside of Justin Turner, the Blue Jays need Kirk to have a bounce-back year; there are positive early signs he’s on a path to do that.
Ross Atkins, GM: “Alejandro has looked very strong thus far. His focus, work and routines have put him in position to be successful in every aspect of his game.”
Age: 30 Bats: R Throws: R Height: 5-10 Weight: 205
It’s so important to have a 10th player on your roster as injury insurance who can step in at multiple positions if needed. That’s what Ibañez provides the Tigers. Last year he hit .264 with 11 home runs and a 102 OPS+ over 356 at-bats. He was worth 2.0 WAR. He’s having such a strong spring that some scouts believe he could be an everyday player. In the meantime, he’ll serve as a key replacement when rookie second baseman Colt Keith or veteran third baseman Gio Urshela needs a day off or face a bad pitching matchup.
Jeff Greenberg, GM: “Ibañez has had a strong camp. As we saw last year, he can help us in many ways. He brings a good approach to every at-bat and makes plenty of hard contact. He gives us versatility in several spots in the field. He is very routine-oriented, continues to put in quality work on his defense, and is prepared to contribute every day, whether he’s starting or coming off the bench.”
We traded for Varsho last offseason. He had a rough season. But he’s got an elite glove and tons of power. Sure hope he sorts it out. Been having a strong spring if that means anything who knows.
That kid from Baltimore…Holliday is a complete stud. He homered as well. Baltimore might be the best team in baseball. Just one young stud after another. They won 100 games last year and added more talent
