The Toronto Blue Jays have added veteran catching depth by acquiring catcher Willie MacIver from the Texas Rangers in exchange for cash considerations, the team announced Friday.
The 29-year-old right-handed hitter was designated for assignment by Texas earlier this week to clear roster space and now heads north to provide organizational insurance behind the plate.
MacIver spent the early part of 2026 at Triple-A Round Rock with the Rangers, where he struggled to a .170/.333/.255 slash line with one home run and six RBIs in 60 plate appearances. He previously made his MLB debut with the Oakland Athletics in 2025, appearing in 32 games and batting .186 with three homers.
Known for his strong defensive skills and leadership behind the dish, MacIver has shown promising power and on-base ability in the minors, including a .323/.399/.534 line across 604 Triple-A plate appearances in 2024-2025. The Blue Jays have optioned him to Triple-A Buffalo, where he’ll look to regain his form and stay ready for a potential call-up.
This low-cost move gives Toronto additional flexibility at catcher without committing significant resources, especially as the team navigates early-season roster decisions. MacIver becomes another experienced option in a system always looking to strengthen its depth behind the plate.
Stay tuned as both clubs continue shaping their 2026 rosters — the Blue Jays adding a familiar face with upside, while the Rangers make room for younger talent.