Rangers’ top catching prospect could face pressure in 2026 amid catching shortage

The Texas Rangers are dealing with the decline and non-tender of Jonah Heim by patching the holes and waiting for the permanent solution in Malcolm Moore to be ready to take over in the near future.

Using veterans such as Kyle Higashioka and Danny Jansen to fill the role in the meantime, Moore's growth will be invaluable as the organization doesn't have many places to turn to if it fails.

Let's hope that what is being asked of Moore is not a lot of pressure for the 22-year-old about to enter his just his second full professional season.

Rangers hope Moore is the organization's future catcher

Moore is the organization's 11th overall prospect and former first round pick. The Stanford Cardinal was the 2023 Pac-12 Freshman of the Year and backed it up with another strong sopohmore season before getting drafted in June 2024.

However, his first full professional season began with a broken right finger, sidelining him until July. He was dealing with the after effects of that injury, hitting just .195 with three home runs and 27 RBIs over the course of 62 games.

Moore did hit a bit a bit better down the stretch but it was still barely over the Mendoza LIne, hitting .214 with three doubles and nine RBIs in 70 at-bats during the month of September.

He has the ability to produce high bat speed, strength and contact when he is on at the plate but his struggles have surprised the organization. Some scouts also question whether he has the skillset to stay at catcher, saying he profiles more as a true DH or 1B.

Organization's catching issues could cause Moore to put too much pressure on himself

Moore is already going to be dealing with a lot heading into the 2026 season. It was likely one of his first full seasons in baseball where he wasn't seeing a lot of positive momentum. He's also still young, not turning 23 until June.

His estimated arrival timeline in MLB isn't until 2027 and that could fit how Texas is planning contract wise, having Higahsioka under contract through 2026 and Jansen's two-year deal set to expire after the 2027 season.

Anything could change that though. A massive surge by Moore could catapult him up the ranks of the minor league system and Higgy or Jansen's struggles could call Moore to put too much pressure on himself trying to prove he's ready before he is actually ready.

Regardless, Moore's biggest goal for 2026 is getting back to how he was at Stanford and show healthy growth forward.