This week, pitchers and catchers across Major League Baseball have begun reporting to Spring Training, marking the unofficial beginning of the 2026 season.

In Surprise, Ariz., the Texas Rangers have opened camp as they look to make the postseason for the first time since winning it all in 2023.

Despite Rangers pitchers and catchers being back in Surprise, a familiar face from the last few seasons is heading across the country to Florida.

Former Rangers catcher Jonah Heim is in camp with the Atlanta Braves, looking to crack their roster after being a mainstay behind the plate for Texas since 2021.

Earlier in the offseason, the Rangers non-tendered Heim after back-to-back seasons of struggles.

Last season, Heim hit just .213 with 11 home runs and 43 RBI after struggling in 2024 as well, where he hit just .220 with 13 home runs and 59 RBI in 131 games.

During the Rangers' magical 2023 season, Heim was one of the best backstops in all of baseball as he hit .258 with 18 home runs and 95 RBI while being named an All-Star starter.

However, the last two seasons of struggles were enough for the Rangers to move on from Heim altogether.

Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young said it was a difficult decision to move on from Heim and fellow World Series heroes Adolis García and Marcus Semien.

Ultimately, there was no denying the offensive struggles since Texas won the World Series, and it was time for difficult decisions to be made.

As for Heim, it seems that he has a solid chance to make the Braves team as their backup catcher.

Last season, rookie Drake Baldwin burst onto the scene, taking over as Atlanta’s primary starting catcher after he hit .274 with 19 home runs and 80 RBI, and winning the National League Rookie of the Year award.

Baldwin will certainly get the majority of reps behind the plate for the Braves to start the season, but an injury to fellow catcher Sean Murphy looks to be opening things up for Heim to have a chance to make the team.

As for the Rangers backstops, Kyle Higashioka will return alongside new signee Danny Jansen to form what the club believes will be a solid tandem behind the plate.

Ever since 2023, the catcher's spot has been an offensive weak spot for Texas. As is the case for the majority of the lineup, a bounce-back from the catcher position will go a long way in helping the Rangers return to the postseason.

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