Alejandro Kirk catches ALCS Game 6 to support childhood friend Jonathan Aranda

The Tampa Bay Rays showed up at the right time for Game 6 of the American League Championship Series. Before a home game, the Rays staved off the Cleveland Guardians 7-3 to win the American League pennant and advance to the World Series.

Now, they await their matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers.

A unique story emerged when Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk attended to watch his childhood friend, Rays first baseman Jonathan Aranda, per Ryan Bass of MLB.com.

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Both Kirk and Aranda met at 4 years old and grew up in Tijuana, Mexico. From there, they built a strong bond and talked virtually every day. They have shared the same journey and achieved their dreams together. While they have been opponents for most of their careers, they were teammates for one special occasion. Earlier in the year, Kirk and Aranda represented Team Mexico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, finishing 2-2 and being eliminated before the knockout stage.

Meanwhile, Kirk and the Blue Jays were coming off winning the American League pennant the year prior. Ultimately, they lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in an epic seven-game World Series. This year, the Blue Jays missed the postseason, finishing last in the American League East at 79-83. Kirk batted .278 with 77 hits, 10 home runs, and 43 RBIs.

The Rays are looking to win their first World Series in franchise history. Aranda finished the season batting .274 with 159 hits, 22 home runs, and 92 RBIs.

Game 1 of the 2026 World Series is scheduled for Friday, October 23, at American Family Field in Milwaukee at 7:00 p.m. CST/8:00 p.m. EST.