"It's not clear how heavy a workload Higashioka will shoulder in 2026, but he'll turn 36 in April and logged career-high marks in games played (94) and plate appearances (327) last year. The longtime Yankee backstop slashed .241/.291/.403 with 11 home runs in that time. Defensive Runs Saved credited him as an above-average catcher, while Statcast had his glovework closer to average."
"Unfortunately for Young and the Rangers, it's not a great time to be in the market for catching help. The free agent class is headlined by J.T. Realmuto, though the incumbent Phillies will make a strong push to retain him. (The Red Sox are also among the interested parties.) Victor Caratini presents a credible starter or half of a 50-50 timeshare. Beyond that, the open market is comprised primarily of rebound candidates - Danny Jansen, Gary Sanchez and old friend Mitch Garver among them."
Rangers non-tendered a catcher but retained veteran Kyle Higashioka under contract through 2026 while exploring trade and free-agent markets for additional catching depth. Higashioka will turn 36 in April and posted career highs with 94 games and 327 plate appearances, slashing .241/.291/.403 with 11 home runs. Defensive Runs Saved rated him above-average, while Statcast judged his defense closer to average. He struggled after Sept. 1, hitting .174/.255/.283 with a 29.4% strikeout rate. The free-agent market centers on J.T. Realmuto and Victor Caratini, with other options mainly rebound candidates; trade alternatives remain limited.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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