Ex-Yankees star Higashioka joins Rangers after strong year with Padres

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The Texas Rangers have made waves in Major League Baseball by signing veteran catcher Kyle Higashioka to a two-year contract with a mutual option for the 2027 season. The deal, reportedly worth $13.5 million, marks a pivotal acquisition for the Rangers as they continue to bolster their roster in pursuit of postseason glory. Higashioka will earn $5.75 million in 2025 and $6.75 million in 2026, with a $1 million buyout on the $7 million mutual option for 2027. With this signing, the Rangers now have 39 players on their 40-man roster.

Higashioka’s career defined by perseverance

Higashioka’s journey to this moment has been anything but conventional. Selected by the New York Yankees straight out of high school in the seventh round of the 2008 MLB Draft, the Huntington Beach native spent nearly a decade grinding through the minor leagues. Despite years of uncertainty and limited opportunities, he finally secured a consistent role in the big leagues in 2020.

Initially cast as a backup catcher in New York, Higashioka carved out a niche as Gerrit Cole’s preferred battery mate, but his opportunities to claim a full-time starting position were scarce. After being included in the Yankees’ trade package to the San Diego Padres during last winter’s blockbuster deal for Juan Soto, Higashioka found himself in a new environment—and it was here that he thrived.

Breakout season with Padres

In San Diego, Higashioka emerged as a key contributor during the Padres’ 93-win campaign. While his primary role was expected to be as a backup to Luis Campusano, His steady performance and Campusano’s struggles saw him rise to the starting catcher position. Over 84 games, Higashioka showcased his power at the plate, hitting a career-high 17 home runs. His overall offensive output, while unconventional, proved effective. His .220/.263/.476 slash line may have been marred by a low on-base percentage, but his power production was enough to make him an above-average hitter, according to wRC+ metrics.

Defensively, Higashioka earned praise for his pitch framing and his ability to manage pitching staffs. However, his performance behind the plate was not without flaws—he struggled with blocking pitches, recording nine passed balls in just 665 2/3 innings, among the most in the league.

For the Rangers, signing Higashioka represents a strategic move to address their needs behind the plate while maintaining roster flexibility. While not traditionally seen as a full-time starter, his power and defensive skills provide valuable depth and experience. Texas will likely deploy him as a platoon catcher or a high-end backup, depending on the development of other players on their roster.

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