Yankees Trade Fan-Favorite After 15-Year Stint In New York Organization

The New York Yankees officially completed the largest deal of the offseason so far Wednesday night.

New York officially acquired superstar outfielder Juan Soto in a blockbuster deal with the San Diego Padres that saw the Yankees send over four pitchers as well as catcher Kyle Higashioka. 

While Higashioka may not necessarily be the cornerstone of the deal, he did spend the most time in the Yankees organization. He was drafted in the seventh round of the 2008 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft and has remained in the organization ever since. 

Over the years, Higashioka developed into a fan-favorite in New York and the club took to social media to thank him for his services to the team.

"15 years in the Yankees organization," the team said. "From catching a no-hitter to catching a perfect game. A fantastic teammate. A leader in the community. For all that you’ve done on and off the field, thank you, Kyle Higashioka."

There had been rumblings since the end of the 2023 campaign that Higashioka wouldn't be returning to the Yankees next season. New York has All-Star Jose Trevino and elite prospect Austin Wells set to play the majority of the games behind the plate. 

At one point it even seemed like Higashioka could be a non-tender candidate, but the Yankees ultimately tendered him a deal and now was able to package him in the massive deal to land Soto.

New York entered this offseason needing to improve the outfield, improve the middle of the lineup, and improve the starting rotation. The Yankees already have done the first two by adding Alex Verdugo and Soto. Now they just need to add a hurler into the mix.