Traded Yankees catcher Kyle Higashioka bids emotional goodbye to fans

Catcher Kyle Higashioka, traded to the San Diego Padres in the blockbuster deal that brought slugger Juan Soto to the Yankees, bid farewell on Sunday night:

Reflecting on my 16 seasons with the Yankees organization, I am filled with nothing but gratitude. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the fans, my teammates, the organization, and the Steinbrenner family for the countless incredible moments we have shared during my time in pinstripes.

From the day I was drafted to the unforgettable experience of sharing a spring training clubhouse with Hall of Fame players as a 19-year-old kid, to finally making my major league debut after a decade in the minor leagues, to the thrill of getting my first hit and even having a three-home-run game, and the honor of catching a no-hitter and a perfect game.

Witnessing Aaron Judge’s incredible 62 home runs and Gerrit Cole’s well-deserved Cy Young Award, I have made cherished memories and formed lifelong relationships with this organization. I am truly grateful for all the opportunities given to me by my teammates, who have been like brothers, always pushing me to be the best player I can be. I am also grateful to the organization and the Steinbrenner family for believing in me and allowing me to fulfill my dream of becoming a major-league ballplayer. And of course, a special thank you to the fans for always making me feel at home and loved in New York.

It never failed to amaze me whenever I spotted a 66 Jersey in the wild. Though they may be few, the fact that anyone would spend their hard-earned money just to support me is truly mind-blowing. Without all of you, the fans, we wouldn’t have the privilege of getting paid to play the game we love. So once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Now, I am incredibly excited to embark on this new chapter in my career as a member of the San Diego Padres. I look forward to getting to know a new group of teammates and working together towards bringing a world championship to San Diego.

The Yankees acquired Soto and center fielder Trent Grisham for four pitchers — Michael King, Randy Vasquez, Jhony Brito and Drew Thorpe — and Higashioka, who now could pair with ex-Yankees bust Gary Sanchez, if the Padres decide to re-sign him.