At the start of this offseason, which feels like it was ages ago, the Texas Rangers assessed their needs (mainly to overhaul much of their pitching staff) and their resources (seemingly limited, partly due to their unresolved TV situation) and adopted a creative strategy.

They’ve made significant efforts to improve the pitching, although they haven’t exactly added many pitchers yet. More on that shortly.

On Monday evening, the Rangers signed catcher Kyle Higashioka to a two-year deal worth $13.5 million. Higashioka, known for his defensive prowess and game-preparation skills, will share time behind the plate with Jonah Heim, potentially mentoring him and helping optimize pitch-calling.

At 34, Higashioka brings experience, including an apprenticeship with catching instructor Bobby Wilson in the New York Yankees system over a decade ago.

Like Wilson, Higashioka is meticulous about the details—and has a passion for ‘80s metal music, often ready to play a riff from Ratt. Perhaps he’ll add a little Creed to his repertoire this winter.

Chris Young, the Rangers’ President of Baseball Operations, indicated that Higashioka and Heim will likely split time almost evenly, at least to start the season.