Blue Jays Make Minor League Move: CJ Stubbs Joins the Team
The Blue Jays have signed CJ Stubbs to a minor league contract, according to the catcher's MLB.com profile page. While Stubbs wasn't invited to Toronto's big league Spring Training camp, this move still holds significance. Stubbs, a tenth-round pick for the Astros in the 2019 draft, was released by Houston in May 2024 and quickly signed with the Nationals. His time with the Nationals included his first taste of Major League action, albeit a brief one. Stubbs played in just one game, going 0-for-3 while catching in Washington's 2-0 win over the Marlins. Despite this notable game, Stubbs hasn't received more playing time, and he became a free agent after being outrighted from Washington's 40-man roster in late October.
The Blue Jays already have their catching duties covered with Alejandro Kirk and Tyler Heineman, but Stubbs' minor league experience still sets him apart. He's the only other catcher in the organization with any MLB experience. If Kirk or Heineman were to get injured, Stubbs is currently projected as the first call-up. However, Stubbs' overall experience is limited, with only 45 games and 145 plate appearances over parts of three seasons at Triple-A. His minor league career slash line is .206/.315/.396, and he has hit 72 homers and stolen 52 bases in the minors. Despite his potential, Stubbs has also struck out in 648 of his 1854 plate appearances.
The Blue Jays' decision to sign Stubbs to a minor league contract is an interesting move, especially given his limited experience. It remains to be seen if he'll get a chance to prove himself in the big leagues, but his journey from the Astros to the Nationals and now the Blue Jays is certainly an intriguing one.
