Kyle Higashioka Stats

The New York Yankees and catcher Kyle Higashioka agreed to a one-year, $1.46 million deal to avoid salary arbitration. The 32-year-old has one more year of arbitration before entering free agency. His workload may have been reduced when the Yankees acquired Jose Trevino, but Higashioka will still get considerable reps behind the plate. This past season, he made 248 plate appearances and molded a .227/.264/.389 slash line and matched his career-high 10 HRs. The veteran may not be the most efficient player at the plate. However, his defensive attributes allow him to keep his job. He ranked in the 71st percentile for framing in 2022, which is quite impressive for a backup catcher. Although, his fantasy value is likely insignificant with Trevino as the Yankees' primary catcher.

over 2 months ago

The New York Yankees placed outfielder Joey Gallo and catcher Kyle Higashioka on the COVID-19 injured list prior to Game 1 of the team's doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox on Sunday. In corresponding moves, the team called up relief pitcher David McKay from Triple-A and signed catcher Rob Brantly to a major league contract, selecting him to the team's 26-man roster. It's unclear how long both players will be out, but we could see Marwin Gonzalez benefit from Gallo's absence, while Jose Trevino will serve as the team's starting catcher.

over 9 months ago

New York Yankees catcher Kyle Higashioka will be behind the plate for Tuesday's Wild Card game against the Red Sox. With Gerrit Cole on the mound, Higashioka will man the catcher spot as the ace right-hander's personal backstop. Starter Gary Sanchez, who hit just eight homers with a .646 OPS in the second half, will head to the bench, though he could have a role late in the game if needed as a pinch hitter. Higashioka did hit 10 homers in the regular season but is most valuable for his defensive contributions behind the plate.

over a year ago