Rangers Explore Alternatives After Non-Tendering Jonah Heim

The Texas Rangers made a surprising offseason move by non-tendering catcher Jonah Heim, leaving a key position in need of immediate attention. While Heim had been a fixture behind the plate, the team appears hesitant to spend heavily in free agency to replace him.

Reports from Ken Rosenthal and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic indicate that the Rangers lack the payroll flexibility to pursue JT Realmuto, widely regarded as the top catcher available on the free-agent market. Realmuto, a native of Oklahoma, brings a rare combination of offensive production, defensive skill, and veteran leadership.

Realmuto’s 12-year MLB career includes a .270 batting average, 180 home runs, 677 RBIs, and 104 stolen bases. He is also a three-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove recipient, making him one of the most coveted catchers in recent memory. Despite this, the Rangers are focusing on alternative solutions to fill their backstop vacancy.

Texas is exploring options including free agents like Danny Jansen and Victor Caratini, as well as potential trades. The front office appears intent on balancing immediate roster needs with long-term payroll strategy, rather than overcommitting for a marquee signing.

1. Secondary Free-Agent Targets

Danny Jansen, who split the 2025 season between the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers, posted a .215 batting average with 14 home runs and 36 RBIs over 98 games. While his offensive output is modest, Jansen offers experience and versatility that could stabilize the Rangers’ catching situation. Victor Caratini spent the year with the Houston Astros, hitting .259 with 12 home runs and 46 RBIs in 114 games. Caratini is known for his defensive skills and ability to handle pitching staffs, qualities that make him a viable option for a team in need of a reliable backstop. Neither Jansen nor Caratini provides the overall impact of Realmuto, but both are attainable within the Rangers’ current payroll constraints. The team’s front office is considering them as practical solutions to avoid a gap at the catcher position heading into the 2026 season. Exploring secondary targets also keeps the Rangers flexible, allowing them to potentially supplement the position through trades or internal options without committing long-term to a single high-priced catcher.

2. Trade Possibilities and Organizational Depth

In addition to free-agent options, the Rangers are evaluating trades as a potential path to replace Heim. Several teams, including the Cleveland Guardians, Detroit Tigers, and St. Louis Cardinals, are rich in young catching talent that could be available in exchange for prospects or other assets. A trade could provide the Rangers with a more balanced solution, combining defensive reliability and offensive upside, while preserving financial flexibility for other offseason priorities such as strengthening the bullpen. Texas may also explore promoting from within the organization if no suitable external options become available. Minor-league catching depth could provide temporary stability while the front office assesses long-term solutions. Overall, the Rangers’ strategy appears to focus on practical, financially responsible moves rather than pursuing a marquee free agent, reflecting a careful balance of competitiveness and fiscal prudence.

3. Outlook for 2026

The Rangers’ catching situation will be a key factor in their 2026 season, particularly as they aim to remain competitive in a challenging division. While they may not secure a player of Realmuto’s caliber, the combination of attainable free agents, trade possibilities, and internal options could provide a workable solution. Danny Jansen or Victor Caratini could become the everyday backstop, offering stability while the Rangers evaluate further roster moves. Their presence would allow Texas to focus on other roster improvements, particularly in pitching and lineup depth. The team’s approach demonstrates a commitment to flexibility and resource management while addressing an immediate positional need. It also signals that the Rangers are prioritizing a balanced roster rather than chasing marquee names at all costs. With the offseason in full swing, the Rangers’ final decision at catcher will help define their strategy for the 2026 campaign and determine how the team allocates resources across the roster.