2 Jonah Heim replacement candidates to split workload with Higashioka for Rangers

The Rangers non-tendered catcher Jonah Heim last week after he had two struggling seasons following a career year that helped Texas win its first World Series in franchise history. While the Rangers already have catcher Kyle Higashioka signed through next season, president of baseball operations Chris Young said he plans to explore the catching market to bring in someone who can split time with Higashioka behind the plate, according to the Dallas Morning News' Shawn McFarland.

Higashioka, who turns 36 in April, played in a career-high 94 games last season, hitting .241/.291/.403 with 11 homers. He is viewed as an average, or slightly above-average, defensive catcher. The Rangers don't seem to plan on using him much more next season than they did in 2025, so who should they target to split time with him behind the plate?

2 Jonah Heim replacement candidates to split workload with Kyle Higashioka for Rangers

Victor Caratini

Caratini, 32, appeared in 114 games for the Houston Astros last season, slashing .259/.324/.404 (101 OPS+) while logging 4 Blocks Above Average (72nd percentile) and -4 Caught Stealing Above Average (10th percentile) as a below-average pitch framer. However, he was among the best pitch framers in the league during the two seasons prior. Regardless, pitch framing will be less valuable next year with the addition of the ABS Challenge System.

Caratini can also play first base, which could be valuable for the Rangers, considering they likely cannot afford to spend big on a first baseman through free agency. The veteran catcher has played in parts of nine MLB seasons, spending time with the Astros, Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres. He has accumulated 4.5 bWAR with a 90 OPS+ throughout his career.

MLB Trade Rumors projects Caratini will receive a two-year, $14 million contract.

Ryan Jeffers

Jeffers, 28, is under team control through the 2026 season, but the Twins may be willing to trade him if they receive a package to their liking. It's unclear whether Minnesota will build around its veterans or continue its roster teardown by dealing its long-tenured players to shed payroll and add more young talent. If the Twins opt for the latter, the Rangers could pursue a trade for Jeffers.

In 119 games with the Twins this past season, Jeffers hit .266/.356/.397 (108 OPS+) with nine home runs and 47 RBI. He made his MLB debut in 2020 with Minnesota and has since then accumulated 8.3 bWAR with a 105 OPS+.

Defensively, Jeffers struggled with blocking, framing and throwing out runners in 2025. He has had defensive success in the past, however. And, like Caratini, he should benefit from the ABS Challenge System. The Twins catcher is projected to make $6.6MM in 2026 per MLB Trade Rumors.