Jonah Heim would likely cost the Texas Rangers a projected $6 million in arbitration. That’s relatively cheap for a fifth-year veteran catcher.
But Heim’s offensive numbers have declined each of the last two years since he put together a career year in helping the Rangers win the 2023 World Series. In 124 games in 2025 he slashed .213/.271/.332 with a .603 OPS, including 11 home runs, 43 RBI, 14 doubles, 38 runs and three stolen bases. By season’s end Kyle Higashioka was the preferred choice behind the plate, as he slashed .241/.291/.403 with a .694 OPS, including 11 home runs, 47 RBI, 14 doubles, one triple, 33 runs and three stolen bases.
Both are entering their final year connected to the Rangers. The pipeline is bare, aside from 2024 first-round pick Malcolm Moore, who is struggling in the minors. Texas may want to move on from Heim, but one wonders if Texas can even afford that?
But, if the Rangers do opt to move on, here are ways they could replace Heim.
The High-Ticket Item