The Toronto Blue Jays have brought back their former catcher, Tyler Heineman, by claiming him off waivers from the Boston Red Sox. To make room for this move, the team has designated catcher Brian Serven for assignment.
Blue Jays Reacquire Catcher Tyler Heineman from Red Sox
Heineman, 33, originally signed with the Blue Jays before the 2022 season but only appeared in 10 games before being claimed by the Pittsburgh Pirates. In April 2023, the Blue Jays reacquired him in a trade involving Vinny Capra. However, he was again placed on waivers and claimed by the New York Mets in December 2023. After being designated for assignment by the Mets in January 2024, he was traded to the Red Sox in exchange for cash on February 2. This latest move, coming with only two weeks left in the regular season, has surprised some.
Blue Jays Claim Tyler Heineman, Designate Brian Serven https://t.co/1GuCVAkTtV pic.twitter.com/d2TkAXwmap
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) September 16, 2024
Serven, 29, had a solid working relationship with pitcher Bowden Francis, who has been pitching well in the second half of the season. However, Serven’s offensive contributions were minimal. Heineman, on the other hand, offers more offensive upside and has more experience as a veteran. While he’s now in his third stint with the Blue Jays, this period will serve as a test for him. In 2024, Heineman played just two games in the majors with the Red Sox but hit six home runs, drove in 27 RBIs, and stole eight bases in the minors, splitting time between the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox and Double-A Portland Sea Dogs.
Heineman’s Skillset
Heineman’s career has been marked by inconsistency, which has led him to bounce between teams and spend significant time in the minors. It’s unclear what kind of impact he will make in his third tenure with the Blue Jays, especially after spending most of the season in the minors. However, his ability to switch-hit is a valuable asset, and he brings a level of familiarity with the Blue Jays’ system. Early in his career, Heineman played for the Miami Marlins and San Francisco Giants and is known for his strong defensive skills, solid arm, and smart baserunning. Heineman will add depth to the Blue Jays’ catching options as the season winds down.
