The Mariners have added another catcher to compete for the back-up spot behind Cal Raleigh.
Seattle acquired Jhonny Pereda from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for cash considerations. To make room for Pereda on the 40-man roster, reliever Jackson Kowar was designated for assignment.
Pereda, 29, has played in a combined 46 Major League games for a three organizations – the Marlins (2024), A’s (2025) and Twins (2025) organizations — over the past two seasons, posting a .241/.299296 slash line with six doubles and eight RBI in 118 plate appearances. He was designated for assignment last week. He does have a minor league option, which is valuable to the Mariners.
Pereda has spent much of the last three seasons at the Triple-A level. In 254 games, he posted a .296/.392/.419 slash line.
The Mariners have also signed veteran catcher Andrew Knizner to a one-year MLB contract earlier this offseason.
Kowar was one of two pitchers in a acquired in the trade that sent Jarred Kelenic, Marco Gonzales and Evan White to the Braves.
After suffering a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow in spring training in 2024, he returned this season and made 15 relief appearances, posting a 2-0 record with a 4.24 ERA with seven walks and 15 strikeouts in 17 innings pitched.