The Texas Rangers have made a move this offseason by acquiring free agent Kyle Higashioka. Higgy and the Rangers have agreed upon a two-year $13.5 million deal. The contract will also include a mutual option of $7 million for 2027.
Higashioka will also receive a minimum $1 million buyout. It’s a great deal for the Rangers, but Padres fans will miss their catcher, especially after his contribution last year. Although his stint with the Padres was short-lived, fans have taken a liking to Higgy. Padres fans took to social media as they bid farewell to their catcher.
Gettin’ Higgy wit it!
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) December 3, 2024
We've signed C Kyle Higashioka to a two-year contract with a mutual option for 2027. pic.twitter.com/5j72Znb3Op
Here’s a look at some of the fan reactions on X.
“Take care of him. You got a good one,” wrote one fan.
Take care of him. You got a good one 😭
— Ari⚡️ (@aurelihoe) December 3, 2024
“This is sad to see him go but he had such a huge impact with the Padres. Best of luck in Texas,” wrote another fan.
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This is sad to see him go but he had such a huge impact with the Padres. Best of luck in Texas.
— Matt Skraby (@MattSkraby) December 3, 2024
“Higgy was amazing for the Padres. We will miss him!” one fan chimed in.
Higgy was amazing for the Padres. We will miss him!
— Wesside Izzy P. 🇵🇷 (@IzzyPhantasmo) December 3, 2024
“That’s a good sign for the Rangers,” one fan responded.
That’s a good sign for the Rangers.
— Hot Takes (@Hot_Takes2) December 3, 2024
We will miss you Kyle.
— sandiest eggo (@LandonAfterTime) December 3, 2024
We’ll miss you Higgy. Y’all got great player and an even better human being. Take care of him & he’ll take care of y’all. Best of luck @the_higster
— Em (@ElPitoChiquito) December 3, 2024
Take care of Higgy please. A class act!
— yankees.moodboard (@ymoodboard) December 3, 2024
Higgy is super clutch. Missing him already 🥹
— PadresAllDay (@DayPadres) December 3, 2024
Kyle Higashioka To Split Playing Time With Jonah Heim
Kyle Higashioka is expected to split playing time with Jonah Heim. The Rangers now have two strong catchers on their team and an extra slugger. Higgy had a strong season for the Padres after he recorded a career-high 17 home runs. He drove in 29 runs and recorded 45 RBIs, helping the team reach the postseason.
Higgy played a vital role for the Padres in the postseason. The Rangers have noted his worth, and his addition will bolster their lineup. Higgy’s contract is split to $5.27 million in 2025 and $6.75 million in 2026.
The Padres were unable to retain Higgy as they were probably not too keen. Higgy will be a great fit with the Rangers alongside Heim and other stars like Corey Seager. However, it’s a sad day for Padres fans as they will miss out on Higashioka.
Apart from the latest deal with the Rangers, Juan Soto is the biggest free agent on the list. Soto is expected to sign with a team anytime soon.
Also Read: MLB Fans React To Deferred Money In Tommy Edman’s $74 Million Contract Extension
