Former All-Star Non-Tendered by Texas Rangers Ahead of 2026 MLB Free Agency

The Texas Rangers have been making some moves as the deadline to tender contracts to their arbitration-eligible players. While some teams made decisions by avoiding arbitration with players and agreeing to a contract or are now heading to arbitration, the Rangers made the decision to cut a former All-Star. Let’s take a deeper dive into the news and discuss what this means going forward.

Texas Rangers Non-Tender Jonah Heim

Jonah Heim has reportedly been non-tendered by the Texas Rangers and will become a free agent this offseason. The six-year MLB catcher is coming off his worst full season, but he was a 2023 American League All-Star and Gold Glove winner.

Last season, Heim had a .602 OPS with 11 home runs, 43 RBI, 38 runs scored, and three stolen bases without being caught over 433 plate appearances. He was the starting catcher for a majority of the season, but did split some time with backup catcher Kyle Higashioka during the season. However, the 30-year-old is looking for a new home after spending his entire MLB career with the Texas Rangers.

The Texas Rangers did not only decide to non-tender Heim, as they also made the same decision on outfielder Adolis Garcia. Reports are also saying the team attempted to trade Heim and Garcia during last week’s GM Meetings, but nothing materialized.

There are going to be teams that are looking to improve their depth at the catcher position as we get closer to 2026 Spring Training. It will be interesting to see which teams will be interested in adding the Texas Rangers catcher.