How does signing of catcher Kyle Higashioka fit into Texas Rangers’ 2025 plans?
On Monday, the Texas Rangers signed Kyle Higashioka to a two-year $13.5 million contract, with a mutual option for a third season.
On Tuesday, at his introductory press conference, Higashioka said President of Baseball Operations Chris Young told him he was a priority for the team and explained what drew him to the Rangers.
“This is a really good squad, obviously, I think everyone will probably say that they underperformed last year. But I think the team as a whole is a fantastic roster. Chris Young, this offseason, he made it very clear how committed they are to winning,” said Higashioka, “Having (manager Bruce) Bochy at the helm, one of the best managers in the game ... and the backing of the front office, I think it was a really attractive destination for me.”
Higashioka started his career with the New York Yankees ,who drafted him out of high school in the seventh round of the 2008 draft.
While with the Yankees, he played with Rangers’ catching coach Bobby Wilson during spring training and praised his attention to detail.
“One thing I took from spring training with him was he had an extreme attention to detail, especially with his defense,” said Higashioka. “So I’m really looking forward to working with him, also, because I’ve heard great things about him.”
Higashioka said he heard those good things from former Rangers catcher Jose Trevino, who played with the franchise for four seasons, and wished him good luck and said he would enjoy playing in Texas.
After spending the first seven years of his MLB career with the Yankees organization, the Huntington Beach native signed a one-year deal with the San Diego Padres ahead of the 2023 season.
Higashioka had a career year during his lone season in San Diego batting .220 with a career-high 17 home runs and 45 RBIs in 84 games.
Higashioka credited increased playing time and some tweaks to his game with him have a standout season.
“Last year was great. I got a chance to play almost every day, starting from the middle of the season, and I think I settled into a pretty good rhythm there and was able to get the bat going a little bit,” said Higashioka, “I think I made some adjustments too, that really helped me, do a little better job pitch selection, hit a wider array of different pitches. So, I mean, just, I’m hoping to build off that from last year, and get a little better going into this year.”
Higashioka has played at least 80 games in the last three seasons and could split time at catcher with Heim, who struggled to maintain his all-star caliber play last year.
Heim regressed across the board with his batting average (.220), home runs (13) and RBIs (59) all down from his career highs set in 2023 while also struggling defensively with the worst fielding percentage of his Rangers tenure.
Higashioka joins Heim and Sam Huff as the team’s catchers on the 40-man roster.
Higashioka said he’s ready to help the team win however he can.
“It’s my job to play well when I’m in there, obviously coach is going to make the lineup and we got Jonah here who’s a fantastic catcher,” said Higashioka, “I think for me, it’s about trying to make the team better in whatever way possible. So if I can help the pitchers out, if I can help Jonah, play well when I’m called upon, I think that’s going to lead to some success.”
This story was originally published December 3, 2024 at 2:24 PM.
