The Texas Rangers on Monday signed veteran catcher Kyle Higashioka to a two-year contract with a mutual option for 2027. The deal is worth $13.5 million, according to the Dallas Morning News. Higashioka, 34, played for the San Diego Padres last season, after being a part of the Juan Soto trade with the New York Yankees last offseason. The 6-foot-1, 202-pound catcher found his power stroke as the Padres raced toward the postseason. He finished with a career-high 17 home runs, to go along with 45 RBIs and 29 runs. He played in 84 games for San Diego, making 263 plate appearances. As a Padre, in his final year of arbitration eligibility, the right-handed-hitting catcher made $2.18 million and appeared in line for a raise headed into spring training. A defensive standout behind the plate, Higashioka was largely a backup during his time with the Yankees, often catching New York ace Gerrit Cole. In San Diego, another team full of stars,...