While the baseball world shifts its attention to the 2026 World Baseball Classic, the Toronto Blue Jays continue strengthening their organization behind the scenes.
Oct 4, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; The Toronto Dominion Bank Building displays the Toronto Blue Jays logo against the New York Yankees during the eighth inning in game one of the ALDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
In a move tied directly to the international tournament, Toronto signed 22-year-old catcher Giaconino Lasaracina, who is currently representing Team Italy in the WBC, according to reports from baseball insider Francys Romero.
The signing was finalized just before the tournament officially began.
A productive young catcher from Italy
Lasaracina spent the first three seasons of his professional career playing for Settimo in the Italian Serie A league, where he quickly established himself as one of the league’s most productive hitters.
During the 2025 season, the young catcher posted an impressive .387 batting average with a 1.086 OPS in 30 games. His stat line included 24 runs scored, 12 doubles, four home runs, 22 RBIs, and eight stolen bases.
Across his three-year professional career in Italy, Lasaracina compiled an outstanding .374/.451/.579 slash line, while collecting:
- 68 runs scored
- 36 doubles
- 8 triples
- 6 home runs
- 73 RBIs
- 16 stolen bases
Although he isn’t known for massive home-run power, Lasaracina’s overall offensive profile stands out because of his consistent contact ability and speed.
Strong plate discipline stands out
One of Lasaracina’s most impressive traits is his discipline at the plate.
Over 395 career plate appearances, he has drawn 44 walks while striking out only 61 times, showing the kind of approach that often translates well when players transition to higher levels of competition.
That balance between patience and contact ability likely played a key role in Toronto’s decision to bring him into the organization.
Addressing a weakness in Toronto’s system
The move also helps the Blue Jays strengthen an area that has recently become thin within their farm system.
Following the departures of Danny Jansen and former top prospect Gabriel Moreno, Toronto’s catching depth has been limited behind major league starter Alejandro Kirk.
The team began addressing that issue last season when they traded infielder Will Wagner to the San Diego Padres in exchange for catching prospect Brandon Valenzuela.
Valenzuela has already made a positive impression in spring training, posting a .300 batting average with two RBIs in five games.
Catching depth improving for the future
With Lasaracina now joining the system, Toronto’s catching pipeline looks noticeably stronger.
While the 22-year-old may still need time to develop within the minor leagues, his offensive track record and strong plate discipline give the Blue Jays another intriguing option for the future.
For an organization that has been actively rebuilding depth at the position, adding Lasaracina could prove to be a smart long-term investment.
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