Traded Toronto Blue Jays player shares heartfelt message to the city
After three separate stints with the Toronto Blue Jays, beloved backup catcher Tyler Heineman is saying goodbye to the city.
On Wednesday, the Blue Jays traded the 34-year-old catcher to the Los Angeles Angels for cash considerations, bringing his 126-game tenure (over parts of five seasons) with the team to an end.
Within hours of the deal, Heineman took to social media to reflect on his time as a Blue Jay and to thank the fans.
"As I head on a plane to my 12th MLB team, the only word that keeps replaying in my head is blessed," Heineman wrote on Instagram.
"These past five years have been nothing short of incredible. From being a Blue Jay, to getting traded to the Pirates, to getting claimed again by the Jays, to getting claimed by the Red Sox, to once again getting claimed by the Jays, all in the span of three years was CRAZY!
"But every time I came back, I loved it more and more."
The 34-year-old also reflected on Toronto's magical 2025 season and the moment the team won the American League pennant for the first time since 1993.
"Getting to be a part of an AL Pennant banner being hoisted back in Toronto for the first time since 1993 was electric," he wrote. "Easily the most fun I've ever had in my career."
Heineman went on to thank his teammates, calling them "brothers," before turning his attention to the fans.
"To the fans, you are amazing," he wrote.
"The number of people who reached out to me throughout my tenure, and especially after I got released, thank you. You are the best part about playing for Toronto. Never change."
Heineman's departure comes just five days after he was designated for assignment to make room for catcher Alejandro Kirk, who was returning off the IL from a thumb injury.
OFFICIAL: We’ve traded C Tyler Heineman to the Angels in exchange for cash considerations. pic.twitter.com/g5G98AZDco
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) June 17, 2026
The stellar play of rookie catcher Brandon Valenzuela had also pushed Heineman down on the team's depth chart, which made the veteran the odd man out.
Several Blue Jays players commented on Heineman's post, expressing their love for their now-former catcher.
"Love ya kid," wrote Blue Jays outfielder Myles Straw, while Addison Barger dropped a heart emoji in the comments.
Heineman's presence and light personality will be missed in the Blue Jays clubhouse, but it's clear Toronto will always hold a special place in his heart.
John E. Sokolowski/Imagn Images
