Kyle Higashioka already had some memorable moments at the Texas Rangers’ ballpark.
The free agent caught a no-hitter there and as a member of the Yankees, hit a home run on the same day that Aaron Judge set the American League season record for homers with No. 62.
Now Globe Life Park will be the former Padre’s new home after he signed a $13.5 million, two-year contract with the Rangers, who want to pair the 34-year-old catcher with All-Star and Gold Glove winner Jonah Heim.
“So many good memories have happened for me personally in this ballpark. It’s like I would always look forward to coming here every year,” Higashioka said Tuesday, a day after his deal was Texas was announced. “It’s funny that I’m actually going to be on the team … hopefully ready to make some more (memories).”
After spending his first 16 professional seasons in the Yankees organization, including his first seven in the big leagues, Higashioka is coming off his only season with San Diego.
He hit .220 with career highs of 17 homers and 45 RBIs while playing 84 games for Padres, who acquired him last December from the Yankees in the trade that sent Juan Soto to New York.
Higashioka was San Diego’s primary catcher during the second half of the season, and through a playoff run that ended in the National League Division Series against the eventual World Series champion Dodgers.
“I settled into a pretty good rhythm there and was able to get the bat going a little bit,” he said.
In the regular season, he helped Padre pitchers post the National League’s fifth-best ERA, 3.86, according to MLB.com. Manager Mike Shildt credited him with being a “tremendous asset in the clubhouse, great guy, great energy, great personality …”
Texas will pay Higashioka $5.75 million in 2025 and $6.75 million in 2026. The deal includes a mutual option for 2027 with a $1 million buyout.
Higashioka was the Yankees catcher when Corey Kluber threw a no-hitter against the Rangers on May 19, 2021. He was also behind the plate when New York’s Domingo Germán pitched a perfect game at Oakland on June 28, 2023.
He’s among only 13 men to catch both a perfect game and a no-hitter.
