Breaking News: Ranges Landed Veteran Catcher With a Two-year Deal Value At….see more 

Breaking News: Ranges Landed Veteran Catcher With a Two-year Deal Value At….see more

The Texas Rangers have secured veteran catcher Kyle Higashioka with a two-year contract valued at $13.5 million, which includes a mutual option for 2027. The deal is structured with $5.75 million for 2025, $6.75 million for 2026, and a $7 million option for 2027, which includes a $1 million buyout, as reported by The Dallas Morning News.

Higashioka, 34, arrives after a standout season with the San Diego Padres. He joined San Diego last year following a trade from the New York Yankees, which was part of the deal that brought star outfielder Juan Soto to the Padres. In 2024, he had a career-high performance, blasting 17 home runs and driving in 45 RBIs across 84 games. Though his batting average was modest at .220, his power numbers—boosted by a .476 slugging percentage—were key to his success, especially in the postseason. He homered in both Wild Card games against the Braves and added another in the NLDS against the Dodgers.

Before his time with the Padres, Higashioka spent seven seasons with the Yankees, hitting .210 with 40 home runs and 121 RBIs in 314 games. His reputation is built on his strong defensive skills, particularly his pitch-framing abilities, where he ranks among the league’s best. However, his blocking and throwing metrics have been less impressive, with -20 Blocks Above Average since 2023, and a pop time in the 10th percentile among catchers in 2024. Rangers’ catching coach Bobby Wilson, known for developing defensive talents like Jonah Heim and Jose Trevino, will likely work with Higashioka to refine these areas of his game.

This acquisition provides the Rangers with solid depth behind the plate. The team already boasts Jonah Heim, a Gold Glove-winning catcher and All-Star from their 2023 World Series-winning season. While Heim is expected to remain the primary catcher, Higashioka’s addition will provide a reliable backup and power bat. With Carson Kelly now a free agent, Higashioka’s veteran presence and defensive experience offer valuable support for the Rangers, particularly in managing their pitching staff.

Mike Shildt, manager of the Padres, praised Higashioka’s leadership, emphasizing the importance of his relationship with pitchers. “He’s done a great job of being an extension of myself,” said Shildt. “The most important thing is his relationship with the pitchers, ensuring he’s synced up with them.”

After a disappointing 2024 season, where they finished 78-84, the Rangers are looking to bounce back. Adding a proven postseason performer like Higashioka strengthens their catching depth and provides the team with the experience necessary to compete for a return to contention.