In a quiet shuffle that might seem minor on the surface, the Seattle Mariners have made a move that signals deeper organizational recalibration, acquiring catcher Jhonny Pereda from the Minnesota Twins for cash considerations, while simultaneously designating right-hander Jackson Kowar for assignment.
A Glove-First Catcher with Quiet Value
Pereda, 29, is not a headline name. Last season, he quietly split time between the Oakland Athletics and the Minnesota Twins, appearing in just 28 games. His numbers, a .246 batting average and a .325 on-base percentage, with no home runs and four RBIs, won’t stop the presses. But they do point to something the Mariners may be seeking: consistency behind the plate and a glove-first backup with decent plate discipline. In a league where catching depth is as scarce as premium starting pitching, Pereda represents a low-cost insurance policy with upside defensively.
Kowar’s Time in Seattle Comes to an End
On the flip side of the transaction is Jackson Kowar, also 29, a former first-round pick who has shown flashes of promise but hasn’t delivered the consistency expected of a high-ceiling reliever. Kowar made 15 relief appearances for Seattle, posting a 4.24 ERA and a 2-0 record, serviceable, but not enough to cement his role in a bullpen that’s rapidly becoming one of Seattle’s most scrutinized assets heading into the season. By designating him for assignment, the Mariners are opening the door for another club to see if there’s still untapped potential in the right-hander.
Mariners Continue to Fine-Tune the Edges
Moves like these rarely steal headlines, but they matter. They reveal how front offices quietly maneuver through the margins of the roster, shaping a 40-man puzzle where every piece, even a glove-first catcher with a light bat, serves a purpose. With spring training around the corner and roster flexibility at a premium, Seattle’s front office is signaling it won’t hesitate to adjust on the fly. Whether Pereda sees major-league action in 2026 or simply serves as depth in Tacoma, the Mariners are making clear that the small moves are just as calculated as the big ones.
