Per RosterResource, Freddy Fermin is the starting catcher heading into 2026. Fermin, whom the Padres acquired from the Kansas City Royals at last year’s trade deadline, is a stellar defensive catcher but posted just a 77 wRC+ in 2025, including a .617 OPS in 42 games with the Padres.
Sánchez gives them a bit more firepower at the position and can also get reps at DH, a spot that is currently occupied by Tirso Ornelas. For an organization that will likely be on a strict budget this winter, Sánchez won’t command a long-term commitment, and his deal shouldn’t push into eight figures. It’s a pairing that makes a lot of sense for both sides.
The Texas Rangers feel like a good fit for Sánchez for multiple reasons. For starters, as was the case with the Padres, they’re an organization that isn’t going to be looking to expand payroll in 2026 yet still want to remain competitive. Sánchez will be in their budget and gives them an upgrade over some of the options they currently have on the roster.
After Jonah Heim was non-tenderer, Kyle Higashioka slots in as the starting catcher heading into 2026. Higashioka, 35, posted a 93 wRC+ in his first year with the Rangers in 2025 and has just one season with an above-average wRC+ in his last five seasons (104 in 2024).
Backing him up is Willie MacIver, whom the Rangers recently claimed off waivers from the Athletics but has two option years remaining.
This is an area on the roster that could be enhanced, and Sánchez would bring some pop to a lineup that is looking for a bounce-back year in 2026. While it’s not exactly ideal that both Sánchez and Higashioka are right-handed hitters, Sánchez has a 107 wRC+ against righties throughout his career whereas Higashioka’s mark sits at just 80, albeit with improvement against righties in 2024 and 2025.