The Toronto Blue Jays have made a trade.
Toronto announced the team has traded veteran catcher Tyler Heineman to the Los Angeles Angels for cash. Heineman was DFA’d last week when Alejandro Kirk returned from the injured list, and Brandon Valenzuela outplayed him to remain on the 26-man roster.
“OFFICIAL: We’ve traded C Tyler Heineman to the Angels in exchange for cash considerations,” the Blue Jays wrote on X.
Heineman made his MLB debut in 2019 with the Miami Marlins and was on his third stint with the Blue Jays. He first joined Toronto in 2022 and spent time in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 with the Blue Jays before being traded.
However, Heineman struggled this season as he hit .154 with 1 home run and 6 RBIs this season. Heineman is under control through the 2028 MLB season and will serve as the Angels’ backup catcher behind Logan O’Hoppe, as catchers Travis d’Arnaud and Sebastian Rivero are both on the injured list.
Blue Jays Were Hopeful to Keep Heineman
Although Toronto did DFA Heineman, the hope was that he would pass through waivers and agree to go to Triple-A, according to Thomas Hall.
“John Schneider described it as a “tough convo” when informing Tyler Heineman that he had been designated for assignment. But also said he took the news like a pro and could see the writing on the wall. The Blue Jays‘ sense is that Heineman will forgo FA if he clears waivers,” Hall wrote on X. …
“More from Schneider on Heineman: “He gets it. He’s been through it before… Wouldn’t be surprised if someone claimed him. He was great last year. We all love him. He’s one of my favourite guys. The guys love him in there, but he understands the business part of it.”
However, there was enough interest in the seven-year MLB veteran, which led to the Blue Jays trading Heineman to the Angels. But, The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon believes that it was likely to avoid him going to an AL East team like the New York Yankees, who need a catcher.
“Gotta wonder if the Jays were proactive in finding a home for Heineman here, to prevent him from going to an in-division team,” Bannon wrote.
So, the Blue Jays ended up agreeing to trade Heineman to the Angels.
MLB World Reacts to Trade
Following the Blue Jays and Angels announcing the trade, some Blue Jays fans were surprised they got any return for the veteran catcher, but are sad to see him go.
“I’m sad to see him go. Hell of a team player and fun guy. Good luck, Heineman! Thanks for some awesome times as a Jay!,” a fan wrote.
“Thanks for everything, core piece of the run last year,” a fan added.
“It was fun Heinz…thank you for 2025,” a fan wrote.
“A fresh opportunity for Tyler Heineman and added flexibility for both organizations. Best of luck in the next chapter of his career,” a fan added.
Angels fans, meanwhile, weren’t surprise to see the team add a catcher amid the injuries.
“Wow! They finally didn’t let a catcher pass them by!! Good move,” a fan wrote.
“Not surprising. Angels now have a back-up catcher with major league experience,” a fan added.
“An actual smart logical move for once. Good acquisition,” a fan added.
Heineman is hitting .226 with 5 home runs and 41 RBIs in his MLB career.
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