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Rangers news: Texas declines options for Jakob Junis, Kyle Higashioka, signs Cuban pitching phenom

The Texas Rangers made two more option decisions, setting the scene for free agency while also signing a teenage pitching phenom out of Cuba.

By Stephen Parello · Nolan Writin'

Published: Sunday, 1 November 2026 at 10:05 AM

Key Things to Know

Texas declined mutual options on pitcher Jakob Junis and catcher Kyle Higashioka while signing pitcher Edenis Cruz.
The Rangers declined Junis's $5 million option for 2027, making the 34-year-old reliever a free agent.
Texas passed on Higashioka's $7 million option after he hit .218 across 58 appearances in 2026.

The Story in 60 Seconds

The Texas Rangers declined their mutual contract options for veteran pitcher Jakob Junis and catcher Kyle Higashioka, sending both players into free agency. Texas opted out of Junis's $5 million option after he posted a 3.64 ERA in 2026, and also rejected Higashioka's $7 million option following an injury-shortened campaign.

In an additional roster move, the Rangers signed 19-year-old Cuban right-handed pitcher Edenis Cruz to a $145,000 signing bonus. Cruz previously starred in the 2025 U-18 World Cup before establishing residency in the Dominican Republic.

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Rangers news: Texas declines options for Jakob Junis, Kyle Higashioka, signs Cuban pitching phenom

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