The Blue Jays have released catcher CJ Stubbs, who is now a free agent. It's the latest in a string of depth moves as Toronto reshapes its organization.

Stubbs wasn't on the 40-man roster, so the move doesn't open a big-league spot. The details behind the decision weren't made public.

It's been a busy week of exits. Pitchers Tanner Andrews and Josbel Garcia, infielder Raimundo de los Santos and outfielder Daz Cameron were all released.

Not every departure is permanent. Rudy Martin Jr. was outrighted, elected free agency, then re-signed on a minor league deal with a camp invite.

Catching depth is a different conversation, though. Teams rarely feel like they have enough of it.

So where does this leave Toronto behind the plate? In decent shape at the top.

Alejandro Kirk and Brandon Valenzuela anchor the Blue Jays' catching depth

Alejandro Kirk is under contract through 2030 and isn't a trade candidate. Brandon Valenzuela broke out in 2026 as a Gold Glove finalist.

Shawn Ross is the third catcher on the 40-man. But Sportsnet noted he may not survive the winter as roster space tightens.

Further down, prospect Aaron Parker opened eyes in the Arizona Fall League. He went 2-for-5 in his debut.

Releasing Stubbs is fine, but the Jays need to replace that depth. Kirk played just 79 games in 2026, and a team that thin behind the plate can't run short in Triple-A.

Catching depth is like a spare key to your house. You never think about it until the day you're locked out.

Minor league free agency opened Monday, and veteran catchers tend to be available on cheap deals. Toronto should grab one.

For the departing catcher, free agency offers a fresh start. Backstops who can handle a staff often find work quickly.

The move won't make headlines. But if Kirk or Valenzuela gets hurt next summer, the Jays will be glad they planned ahead, or sorry they didn't.