Rangers Buy Out Options for Kyle Higashioka and Jakob Junis

The Texas Rangers have decided to buy out the mutual options for catcher Kyle Higashioka and reliever Jakob Junis, leading both players to enter free agency. This decision follows the team's earlier move to buy out designated hitter Joc Pederson's option.

Higashioka will receive a $1 million buyout instead of a $7 million salary, while Junis will be paid $1.25 million on his $5 million option. Both players had limited contributions towards the end of the season, prompting the Rangers to make these financial adjustments.

Higashioka concludes a two-year, $13.5 million contract, having posted a .233 batting average with 18 home runs over 513 plate appearances. He has been recognized for his receiving skills but struggled with throwing out baserunners. Meanwhile, Junis, who has played for multiple teams in recent years, recorded a 3.64 ERA in 54 1/3 innings for Texas this season, leading the team with 18 holds.