Rangers agree to sign Danny Jansen in free agency

Texas was in the market for a catcher after non-tendering Jonah Heim. The Rangers attempted to trade Heim before the tender deadline in November. But after failing to get a deal done, the team moved on.

With Heim off the roster, the Rangers were down to just Kyle Higashioka, who inked a two-year contract with the team last offseason. Texas wasn’t willing to pay J.T. Realmuto what it would take to land the top free agent catcher on the open market. And so the team pivoted to Jansen.

Higashioka and Jansen will both play for the Rangers in 2026. While it likely won’t be a strict platoon, both catchers are capable and experienced veterans. Jansen and Higashioka have earned praise for their ability to work with a pitching staff. However, neither offers much offensively.

Jansen began his career with the Toronto Blue Jays. The Boston Red Sox acquired him in a midseason trade in 2024 and he landed with the Tampa Bay Rays prior to last season. The Rays then dealt Jansen to the Milwaukee Brewers at the trade deadline in 2025. After backing up William Contreras in Milwaukee over the second half last year, the Brewers declined Jansen’s option after the season, making him a free agent.

In addition to Jansen, the Rangers also added pitching depth on Friday. Texas signed righty reliever Alexis Diaz and lefty Tyler Alexander, per Passan. Both players agreed to one-year deals.