Jonah Heim is off to the best start of his career, how good has he been for the Texas Rangers

Through his first three seasons, Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim has shown steady improvement in all facets of his game. He’s increased his batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage in each season.

Heim started his career with the Baltimore Orioles who drafted him in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB Draft. Heim bounced around until the Rangers trader Elvis Andrus and Aramis Garcia for Heim,Khris Davis, and Dane Acker on Feb. 6, 2021.

Over his last three seasons, Heim’s batting average has gone from .196 in 2021 to .300 in 2023. Heim’s 22 RBIs through 25 games in 2023 puts him well on pace to break his career record of 48 RBIs set in 127 games last season.

Heim finished last season posting career highs in almost every statistical category. He came into this season seeking to establish himself as one of the best-hitting catchers in the majors and he’s done just that.

After Wednesday’s 12-7 loss to the the Diamondbacks, Heim is hitting .294 with six home runs and 23 RBIs. Heim has been one of the best-hitting catchers in baseball this season. Heim ranks in the top five among catchers in average, RBIs, runs, on-base percentage and slugging percentage.

In the midst of a great start to the season, Heim is focused on winning.

“I feel good. I think every day you should try and go out there and do whatever you can to help the team win, whether that’s driving some runs or moving a guy over, whatever it takes,” said Heim.

When he reflected on the biggest change he’s made this year as opposed to his previous big league seasons, he mentioned a small tweak.

“A little simple swing setup that I think I changed in the offseason. I worked on it in spring training, it’s done well for me so far,” said Heim.

Despite his offensive outburst Heim still takes pride in his defensive abilities with a fielding percentage of .995 this season.

“I think that’s probably the biggest thing that I try to work on each day is just to try to be best as I can be back there for our pitchers,” said Heim.

The Rangers are headed into their most important road trip of the young season, they’ll play three division rivals — Athletics, Los Angeles Angels and the Seattle Mariners.

The Rangers are 18-12 on the season, but 4-4 over their last eight games which includes a three-game losing streak followed by a four-game winning streak that ended with Wednesday’s loss to the Diamondbacks.

Heim was impressed with the resiliency shown.

“We have a resilient group here no matter what happens, if we drop three we’re gonna try and take the next three,” said Heim.

Rangers Manager Bruce Bochy was laudatory when talking about what Heim has been able to do this season and his improvement from behind the plate.

“I’ll say this. I knew Jonah is a nice player a good player,” said Bochy. “It’s been impressive on the offensive side, I knew he was a good thrower and a good receiver. All around play of Jonah has been fun to watch.”