# Toronto Blue Jays Release Young Catcher The signing following Alejandro Kirk's injury was short-lived. - **Source:** [Forbes - Business](https://brifing.si/source/e0310925-a7af-4d4b-80a7-c80d400e49fa) - **Published:** 2026-07-23 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/4d6e32cd-ab93-4f14-937b-806434f62a1c ## Toronto Blue Jays' Roster Moves The Toronto Blue Jays created opportunities in the minor leagues due to injuries and roster movements throughout the season. An unexpected injury particularly pushed the organization to seek solutions outside the system. ## Alejandro Kirk's Injury Veteran catcher Alejandro Kirk suffered a serious injury, leading the Blue Jays to the free agent market. This search directed the organization toward an experienced minor league catcher. ## Adam Hackenberg's Signing The Blue Jays signed Adam Hackenberg as a free agent and gave him a chance at Triple-A Buffalo. Hackenberg had five professional seasons with the Chicago White Sox organization. ## Short-Lived Partnership Hackenberg's partnership with the Blue Jays was short-lived. With Kirk's recovery and participation in most of the team's games, the organization no longer saw the need to keep Hackenberg in the minor leagues. ## Hackenberg's Background Hackenberg had become a promising catcher in the White Sox organization. His family's strong athletic background also contributed to his development. His brother, Christian Hackenberg, was a successful quarterback at Penn State University. ## Hope for the Future Hackenberg is only 26 years old and has upper-level minor league experience. Due to injuries and roster changes, such players often find new opportunities. This is not the end for Hackenberg's career. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterchawaga/2026/07/23/blue-jays-cut-ties-with-26-year-old-backstop-after-alejandro-kirk-update/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._