The Rangers new catching duo will drive success for both players

Last year was a less than ideal season for Texas Rangers' backstop Jonah Heim.

His production on both sides of the ball took a turn for the worst which caused a lot of people to wonder and even begin to doubt how much Heim could contribute to this team long term. Not to say the Rangers' front office felt the same way but they did make a big decision this winter to set them up in a place where they won't be caught flat footed if Heim doesn't turn the corner in 2025.

The Rangers added Kyle Higashioka on Dec. 2, signing him to a two-year deal with a third year mutual option. Higashioka is quite familiar to the backup role having split time with various catchers in San Diego and New York over the years.

Despite the dip in batting average last season, his 2024 campaign was a breakout power year for him, hitting a career high 17 home runs and 74 RBI's while posting a .476 slugging percentage. Right after the signing became official, Rangers General Manager Ross Fenstermaker told reporters that Heim and Higashioka will have "even playing time" going into the season.

It may seem to be a demotion for Heim, who has played in 389 games over the last three seasons, sixth most in MLB. However, that's the exact reason why he's likely to embrace a change in pace to give him consistent rest, maximize his results and gain confidence.

Although his playing time was on par with the season prior, 131 games, the production across the board suffered. I'd venture to guess his wild schedule in 2023, playing all the way into November due to the World Series, he found himself exhausted a bit quicker than usual last year.

In 2023, Heim was one of the best catchers in the league, ranking in the 97th percentile in framing and 89th percentile in caught stealing above average, according to Savant. Last season those same categories dipped to the 46th and 2nd percentiles, respectively.

In November, Heim said in a MLB.com story that the struggle was more mental than physical.

“There was a lot mentally going on for me this year,” Heim said. “Probably, honestly, all the accolades from last year, you try to live up to that. When you get off to the slow start like I did, it all kind of builds up on you and gets in your own head. It just kind of spirals from there. Over the last couple of months, I've learned that no matter what, I'm still that player I've proven that I am. I just got to go out and play my game.”

While he didn't believe the workload led to his struggles, he did feel some pressure being lifted off his shoulders when the Rangers acquired Carson Kelly at the Trade Deadline and the two of them begun splitting catching duties down the stretch.

During the offseason his focus was centered on getting his swing back into a comfortable spot and regaining confidence in his ability to be successful at the plate. I am sure Heim loved seeing the Rangers sign Higashioka a few weeks later.

The Rangers will be able to rely on Higashioka to get the job done and provide an extra level of comfort and versatility. A guy like that in your corner who works hard day-to-day, goes out of his way to connect with the pitching staff and shares the workload adds a level of confidence that is invaluable.