Tyler Heineman says Blue Jays motivated to finish job in 2026 after 'sour taste left in mouths'
Photo credit: Hazel Mae - x.com
Tyler Heineman catcher Tyler Heineman says every player on the team is on a mission to finish the job in 2026.
After being one out away from winning the World Series in 2025, the heartbreaking game 7 loss to the Dodgers has left a sour taste in the mouth of every Blue Jays player in the offseason.
In an interview with Blue Jays Today, Tyler Heineman reflected on a successful season with a frustrating end.
"To be honest, if we had of won it would have been much easier to reflect on it and enjoy it, but well all were left with a sour taste in our mouths, and just want to get back there and finish the job." Heineman said.
When asked if he still keeps in contact with all of the guys over the offseason Heineman said absolutely.
" Ya I keep in contact with a lot of the guys. I think that the guys that are for sure coming back are thinking this way, and the guys that might be coming back are also thinking this way. We were so close to getting what we wanted and what we thought we should've gotten, and then to not achieve that is hearbreaking and doesnt sit right with anyone, but credit to the Dodgers they beat us."
Heineman had a breakout year with the Blue Jays in his 14th season
Heineman was claimed off waivers by the Blue Jays in September of 2024, bringing him back to the organization for a third time in his 14-year professional career.
The Pacific Palisades, Calif. native won the backup catcher job outright in Spring Training, beating out the likes of Christian Bethancourt and Ali Sanchez to slot in behind Alejandro Kirk on the 26-man roster.
After securing his spot with the big-league team, Heineman broke out with a .289/.361/.416 slash line across 61 games played for the Blue Jays this season, adding three home runs and 20 runs batted in.
The veteran backstop made his World Series debut during the Blue Jays' 18-inning marathon loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 after Kirk was lifted for a pinch runner in the top of the 12th.
The Blue Jays roster is likely to look different by the time pitchers and catchers report in February, with Bo Bichette, Chris Bassitt, Max Scherzer, Seranthony Dominguez, Ty France, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa all in need of new contracts.
It remains to be seen what happens in free agency this winter, but after coming within two outs of a World Series title, it's hard for things to not feel like a wasted opportunity with the group the Blue Jays had this season.
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