In a development that could change the Texas Rangers’ trade deadline strategy in the next 13 days, the team announced that starting catcher Kyle Higashioka would be headed to the 10-day injured list after feeling some discomfort in his elbow after their game on Sunday against the Braves. Higashioka, who had Tommy John surgery in 2013, would later be diagnosed with a flexor-pronator strain.
Higashioka is now the second Rangers catcher to join the IL after Danny Jansen went down earlier in June with a right forearm strain. Jansen later experienced setbacks during his rehab process, which ultimately left his return timetable up in the air. With the injury to Jansen, the Rangers signed veteran Elias Díaz to a one-year, $780,000 major league contract.
The Rangers also promoted 35-year-old Austin Wynns from their Triple-A affiliate, the Round Rock Express, to fill in for the absence of Higashioka. However, to this point in the season, both Jansen and Higashioka have been less than impressive, despite being the projected starters coming into the season. Higashioka ranks 38th in offensive WAR for catchers (min. 50 PA’s) with a 0.3 WAR, while Jansen ranks 65th, with a -0.3 WAR. Díaz ranks 35th, with a 0.4 WAR.
Somehow Winning, Despite the Offensive Struggles
With the Rangers ranking as an average offensive team in terms of hits, home runs, OBP, slugging, and OPS, there is one statistic they fall way below the league average in: RBI. For context, the trio of Higashioka, Jansen, and Díaz have combined for 46 RBI so far. Nine catchers, including three on the trade deadline candidates list from ESPN’s Jeff Passan, have the same (or more) amount of RBI this season. Could adding one of those players hurt? Potentially. Statistically speaking, though, it would be very unlikely.
As it stands, the Rangers are 51-51 and in first place in the AL West, sitting just half a game ahead of the Seattle Mariners and two games ahead of the Houston Astros. According to Yahoo Sports, the Mariners will be buyers at the deadline; the Astros may be as well. However, it’s still to be determined what direction the Astros end up going when all is said and done, as they may ultimately be deadline sellers.
Rangers’ Trade Deadline Strategy Could Change with Injuries
If the Rangers would like to compete for another divisional title, adding a dependable bat should be at the top of their priority list. Trading for a catcher could do just that, and then some. As mentioned earlier, Jeff Passan created a Top 100 list of candidates to (potentially) be traded before the deadline, which included the names of seven catchers who may be targets for teams.
Best Case Scenario: Adley Rutschman (Baltimore Orioles)
Not only is Adley Rutschman a great hitter, but he’s also one of the league’s best defensive catchers. So far this season, Rutschman is slashing .251/.331/.433 with eight home runs and 47 RBI. This addition would be an immediate upgrade on both sides of the plate. In the event of a Rutschman trade, the Orioles would most likely request some level of pitching help in return, and the Rangers could afford to give up a backend starter like Kumar Rocker or one or more prospects, depending on what their front office preferred.
The Orioles are certainly listening to offers for Adley Rutschman, per @JeffPassan
(https://t.co/dfbnMWZ30j) pic.twitter.com/ohnmGVgMNl
— Punchoutpitch (@Punchoutpitch) July 21, 2026
Probably Not Going to Happen: Shea Langeliers (Athletics)
Shea Langeliers is the third-best catcher in the MLB right now in terms of WAR. The Athletics, who made it clear to Passan that they are not looking to move the 28-year-old, are also always listening to offers. Langeliers has 23 home runs through 92 games, with 51 RBI. Statistically speaking, there have only been a handful of other catchers who have been better than him. Considering it’s a divisional rival, though, this option may be nothing more than a dream.
Some Very Solid Options:
Hunter Goodman (Colorado Rockies), Ryan Jeffers (Minnesota Twins)
One of those catchers who has been slightly better than Langeliers this season is Hunter Goodman of the Rockies. He currently leads all catchers with 31 home runs on the season, along with 57 RBI and five stolen bases. Jeffers, on the other hand, has had a solid season in a smaller sample size. 32 RBI, nine home runs, and is currently slashing .287/.398/.552 through 43 games this season. Ryan Jeffers becomes a free agent in 2027, while Goodman is under contract until 2030.
He’s Good, man. Hunter Goodman. @Rockies lead! pic.twitter.com/YmTCVBUnSr
— MLB (@MLB) July 22, 2026
Don’t Move the Needle:
Victor Caratini (Minnesota Twins), Tyler Stephenson (Cincinnati Reds), Luis Torrens (New York Mets)
To be clear, none of the players mentioned in this tier are bad by any means. If anything, they’re all having solid seasons. However, none of them would more than likely move the needle for the Rangers when chasing the AL West banner. Victor Caratini is batting .234 through 75 games, Tyler Stephenson is batting .244 through 77 games, and Luis Torrens is batting .228 through 63 games. Adding one of these bats would likely have to be on a Ranger-friendly trade.
The Last Word
Will the Rangers’ trade deadline strategy have them as buyers? Only one person can really answer that right now. Chris Young has a history of being an aggressive buyer, to many fans’ delight. With the Mariners and Astros both struggling, the door for the division has been left ajar. Based on recent history, it’s more than likely only a matter of when a move will happen at this point, rather than if.
Main Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
