In late March, it looked like the Toronto Blue Jays might lose catcher A.J. Jimenez after eight seasons in the organization. Designated for assignment following the claim of Jesus Montero, Jimenez snuck through waivers to triple-A Buffalo despite some quiet trade rumours earlier in spring training.
Now healthy and receiving regular reps as the Bisons’ starting catcher, Jimenez is rounding out his game on both sides of the ball.
Jimenez profiles well behind the plate, having thrown out 40% of base stealers in his career (27% this season). In 2011 and 2012 (his age-21 and 22 seasons), the now-26 year old was named the organization’s best defensive catcher by Baseball America.