Rangers Champion Catcher Jonah Heim Linked to Fiercest Texas Rival

A former All-Star catcher could be making a surprising move within the Lone Star State as a rival team eyes depth behind the plate.

IMAGE: Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim (28) hits a single against the Cleveland Guardians during the fourth inning at Progressive Field. / Ken Blaze / Imagn Images
Could Jonah Heim Be a Fit in Houston? The Former Rangers Catcher Draws Interest from Astros

Jonah Heim’s name showing up on the Houston Astros’ radar might raise a few eyebrows-especially given his recent stint with the rival Texas Rangers-but when you dig into the fit, it starts to make more sense than you’d think.

Heim, now 30, was non-tendered by the Rangers back in November after a tough 2025 campaign. In 124 games, he slashed just .213 with 11 home runs and 43 RBIs while splitting time behind the plate with Kyle Higashioka. That performance, combined with a projected $6 million arbitration figure, led Texas to move on.

So why would the Astros, a team with postseason ambitions and a rising young catcher in Yainer Diaz, consider bringing in Heim?

It’s all about role and value.

Houston isn’t looking for a full-time starter behind the plate. Diaz has that job locked down and has shown he can handle the demands of managing a high-caliber pitching staff.

What the Astros need is a reliable No. 2-a veteran who can split reps, offer defensive stability, and handle the occasional start without disrupting the rhythm of the staff. That’s where Heim enters the picture.

Yes, his bat has cooled off since his breakout 2023 season, when he earned an All-Star nod and a Gold Glove. That year, Heim hit .258 with 18 homers, 95 RBIs, and 28 doubles.

But his real value came from behind the dish. He ranked among the league’s elite catchers in fielding run value, caught stealing rate, and pitch framing-categories that don’t always make headlines but quietly win games.

Even in a down year, Heim still caught over 120 games in 2025 for a Rangers staff that was among the best in baseball. That kind of durability and experience doesn’t go unnoticed, especially for a team like Houston that’s looking to fine-tune its roster rather than rebuild it.

And while Victor Caratini-who posted better offensive numbers in 2025-is also an option for the Astros, Heim brings a different kind of value. His rapport with pitchers, ability to manage a game defensively, and experience in high-leverage spots make him a compelling candidate for a backup or platoon role.

For Heim, joining the Astros would mean staying in the AL West, but flipping allegiances in the Lone Star rivalry. For Houston, it could mean adding a steady, defense-first presence behind the plate who complements Diaz rather than competes with him.

It might not be the splashiest move of the offseason, but it’s the kind of under-the-radar signing that could pay dividends down the stretch.