The Texas Rangers have signed veteran catcher Kyle Higashioka to a two-year deal with a mutual option for 2027, the team confirmed Monday. The deal is worth a total of $12.5 million ($5.75 million in 2025, $6.75 million in 2026), the option is worth $7 million and there is a $1 million buyout, according to MLB.com.
Drafted by the New York Yankees in the seventh round of the 2008 draft, Higashioka debuted in 2017 and spent seven seasons in the Bronx. He was traded to the San Diego Padres in 2023 as part of the package that brought Juan Soto to New York.
Higashioka, 34, slashed .220/.263/.476/.739 with the Padres in 2024. On defense, he threw out 13 of 65 attempted base stealers; his 20 percent caught-stealing percentage was fourth-best among National League catchers who made at least 75 starts.
Jonah Heim did most of the catching for the Rangers last season, appearing in 119 games and starting in 110. But he struggled in 2024, posting a 1.1 bWAR a year after he was named an All-Star and won a Gold Glove. In signing Higashioka, the Rangers now have three catchers on their 40-man roster. Sam Huff, who appeared in three games for the team in 2024, is the third.
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