Breaking down the Cubs' top 3 free agent catcher options to pair with Miguel Amaya

Kyle Higashioka brings power with a healthy dose of swing-and-miss

The oldest of the trio, Higashioka, 34, has plenty of experience in playoff chases as a long-time former Yankee. That in and of itself holds some value for a club looking to contend, but it's important to consider how he derives his value.

Higashioka has exceptional power for a catcher. Last season, he clubbed 17 home runs in just 246 at-bats while playing his home games in the cavernous Petco Park. That power led him to a career year offensively as his wRC+ of 105, slugging percentage of .476, and ISO of .256 were all career bests.

The issue with his game offensively is that there is a lot of swing-and-miss. In 2024 his strikeout rate was a terrifying 28.1 percent which was not much higher than his career mark of 26.8 percent. Unfortunately, his walk rate does not compensate for being that strikeout-prone as his mark last season was just 5.7 percent, nearly identical to the paltry 5.6 percent rate for his career.

And therein lies the rub with Higashioka offensively. He'll certainly connect on some bombs, but when he's not doing that he's virtually a guaranteed strikeout. Defensively, he's a bit of a mixed bag. Last season he produced 1 framing run, but -2 catcher stealing runs suggesting a performance that is average to slightly below average in its totality.

Entering his age-35 season, there should also be some concern that age will catch up with him. If he were to lose a hair on his bat speed you'd likely see his power production erased and his strikeout tendencies really erase his offensive value.