As the Texas Rangers start to navigate through the 2026 MLB offseason, a goal they have is to shed their payroll and look for ways to modify their team. One of the ways the Rangers are doing so is by releasing players from their roster.
As of November 21, it was announced that the Rangers would be non-tendering Jonah Heim, leaving him now set to hit free agency.
The Texas Rangers non-tendered catcher Jonah Heim, sources tell ESPN. He is now a free agent.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 21, 2025
With Jonah Heim now available, there is one team that makes sense to sign him, and that is the San Diego Padres.
*THIS IS A PREDICTION, NOT A REPORT*
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It was clear in 2025 the weakest position on the Padres’ roster was their catcher spot. While trading for Freddy Fermin at the MLB Trade Deadline helped as he provided strong defense as well as brought a boost on offense with hitting a slash line of .244/.278/.339 over 42 games, he isn’t elite, and leaves the Padres still searching for a true catcher that can elevate the team.
With the recent release of Jonah Heim, he can provide the necessary impact the Padres need.
Jonah Heim is just six years into his MLB career, and during this span he has had a .225/.282/.371 slash line with 68 home runs and 282 RBIs. Since the 2023 World Series run with the Rangers, Heim hasn’t had the same success with the Rangers compared to how he did in the past, but there is still reason for optimism that he can get things fully back on track with a change of scenery.
With the San Diego Padres needing all the help they can get at the catcher position, they can take the chance on Jonah Heim in free agency to start rounding out the depth of the team ahead of 2026.