Blue Jays Add CJ Stubbs on Minor League Deal

This article breaks down why the Toronto Blue Jays added catcher CJ Stubbs on a minor-league contract. It looks at what the move means for depth, flexibility, and the catching situation behind the scenes.

The signing didn’t make headlines, but it gives a glimpse into how Toronto quietly reinforces a key position.

Blue Jays Add Catching Depth with CJ Stubbs Signing

The Toronto Blue Jays signed CJ Stubbs to a minor-league contract, according to his updated MLB.com profile. There’s no invite to major-league spring training, so this is more about depth and insurance than any immediate roster shakeup.

For an organization that values stability behind the plate, these moves are routine but still matter. Catching depth can dry up fast over a long season, and Toronto knows how important it is to have experienced options ready.

From Draft Pick to Free Agent

Stubbs started as a 10th-round pick in the 2019 MLB Draft by the Houston Astros. He made a name for himself early with defense and game-calling, working his way through the Astros’ system before they released him in May 2024.

Not long after, he signed a minor-league deal with the Washington Nationals. That’s where he’d finally check off a big career milestone.

A Brief Taste of the Major Leagues

Stubbs made his Major League debut on September 1 with Washington, getting into one game against the Miami Marlins. He went 0-for-3 at the plate, but that’s not the whole story.

He started behind the plate, catching Andrew Alvarez and four relievers, and helped guide them through a two-hit shutout in a 2–0 win. For a catcher, handling a pitching staff well is often just as important as hitting, and Stubbs did his job.

Roster Crunch Ends Nationals Tenure

Even after that debut, Washington outrighted Stubbs off its 40-man roster in late October. He chose minor-league free agency soon after, giving another team a shot to pick him up.

Where Stubbs Fits in Toronto

The Blue Jays rely on Alejandro Kirk and Tyler Heineman for catching at the big-league level. With those two set, Stubbs comes in as depth—but not just any depth.

Right now, he’s the only other catcher in the Jays system with MLB experience. That alone puts him in a good spot if injuries or roster moves happen.

First Call-Up Potential

If Kirk or Heineman went down, Stubbs looks like the most logical first call-up. He’s at least seen major-league game speed, and that helps compared to less experienced minor-league options.

Evaluating Stubbs’ Offensive Track Record

Offensively, Stubbs has flashed some power but hasn’t shown much consistency. His Triple-A experience is limited: 45 games over three seasons, where he put up a .222/.366/.453 line with six homers.

His full minor-league career numbers give a clearer idea of who he is at the plate:

Defense and Experience Over Offense

Stubbs’ value really comes from his ability to manage pitchers, prep for games, and play steady defense. For a backup or emergency catcher, those traits usually matter more than raw offensive stats.

A Low-Risk, Sensible Move

For the Blue Jays, signing CJ Stubbs looks like a classic low-risk move. There’s practical upside here.

He brings experienced depth to one of baseball’s most demanding positions. Plus, he doesn’t affect the 40-man roster at all.

Stubbs probably won’t turn into a regular contributor in Toronto. Still, his presence means the Blue Jays have a little more insurance for the chaos of a long MLB season.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Blue Jays Sign CJ Stubbs To Minor League Contract