Rangers and Kyle Higashioka Strike Shocking Deal: What’s Behind the $13.5M Contract?
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In a move to bolster their catching depth, the Texas Rangers have agreed to a $13.5 million, two-year contract with free-agent catcher Kyle Higashioka. The deal, announced Monday night, also includes a mutual option for the 2027 season, potentially bringing Higashioka back to Texas for a third year.
Career-Best Season with Padres
Higashioka, 34, is coming off a standout year with the San Diego Padres, where he set career highs with 17 home runs and 45 RBIs across 84 games. His power surge was a significant part of the Padres’ lineup after the team acquired him last December in a blockbuster trade that sent star outfielder Juan Soto to the New York Yankees. This move allowed Higashioka to get a more prominent role in San Diego, where he contributed to the team’s offensive efforts in 2024.
Contract Breakdown
The terms of the contract outline a $5.75 million salary for 2025 and $6.75 million for 2026. The 2027 mutual option is valued at $7 million, with a $1 million buyout, giving both the Rangers and Higashioka some flexibility for the future.
This deal signals the Rangers’ confidence in the veteran catcher’s ability to provide power and leadership behind the plate, especially after an impressive campaign with the Padres.
Higashioka’s Journey to Texas
Before joining the Padres, Higashioka spent his first seven seasons in the big leagues with the New York Yankees. During his tenure in New York, he played in 314 games, hitting .210 with 40 home runs and 121 RBIs. Drafted by the Yankees in 2008, Higashioka spent a total of 16 seasons in their organization before making his MLB debut in 2017. His consistency and defensive prowess behind the plate earned him respect, though his offensive numbers have varied throughout his career.
Catcher Competition in Texas
Higashioka will join a Rangers team already featuring Jonah Heim, the club’s primary catcher, who earned All-Star and Gold Glove honors during the 2023 World Series championship season. Heim, a switch-hitter, played 131 games in each of the last two seasons and posted a solid .258 batting average with 18 home runs and 95 RBIs in 2023. However, in 2024, his performance dipped, as he hit just .220 with 13 home runs and 59 RBIs.
The addition of Higashioka provides depth and competition at the catcher position for the Rangers, especially as Heim looks to bounce back from a challenging 2024 campaign. Higashioka’s experience and power bat could prove to be valuable in a backup or platoon role, complementing Heim’s skill set.
Additionally, Carson Kelly, who the Rangers acquired in a trade with the Detroit Tigers in July, became a free agent after the season, opening up the need for an experienced catcher. Higashioka’s signing addresses that need and provides a reliable option for Texas behind the plate.
Looking Ahead
With the Rangers’ World Series victory in 2023 still fresh in the minds of fans and players alike, the team is clearly focused on maintaining its competitive edge as it moves into the 2025 season. Adding a veteran catcher like Higashioka gives the Rangers depth and stability at a key position.
As the team navigates the next few seasons, Higashioka’s mix of power and experience, along with Heim’s All-Star pedigree, will give the Rangers flexibility in their lineup. Should Higashioka prove to be a strong fit in Texas, the mutual option for 2027 could keep him with the club for another year, solidifying the Rangers’ catching corps for the near future.
The Rangers’ decision to sign Kyle Higashioka to a two-year, $13.5 million contract demonstrates the team’s commitment to reinforcing its roster with veteran talent. Higashioka’s career-high 17 home runs and solid performance in 2024 with the Padres provide a strong foundation for his role with Texas. His arrival also ensures the Rangers have a reliable backup to Jonah Heim, bolstering an already strong team as they look to build on their recent success and remain contenders in the American League.
With the flexibility of the 2027 mutual option, both Higashioka and the Rangers have the opportunity to revisit their partnership after the next two seasons, ensuring that the catcher position remains a strength for the team in the years to come.
