Three organizations have given up on Jhonny Pereda at the big-league level. The Seattle Mariners believe his Triple-A résumé—.296/.392/.419 across 253 games over the past three seasons—tells a more accurate story.
According to Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times, the Mariners acquired Pereda from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for cash, adding a 29-year-old catcher with significant minor-league production and a valuable roster asset: a remaining minor-league option.
Seattle designated reliever Jackson Kowar for assignment to clear a 40-man roster spot for the move.
Minnesota Twins Trade Jhonny Pereda to Seattle Mariners for Cal Raleigh Insurance
Pereda has bounced between the Marlins, Athletics, and Twins over the past two seasons, combining for more than 40 major-league games and posting a .241/.299/.296 slash line with six doubles and eight RBI across 118 plate appearances. Minnesota designated him for assignment on January 23 after he appeared in just 11 games for the Twins in 2025.
That limited MLB sample size hasn’t reflected his Triple-A dominance. Pereda’s .296 average at the highest minor-league level spans parts of three seasons and establishes him as a proven hitter against upper-level pitching.
Roster Flexibility Becomes Key
The minor-league option gives Seattle critical roster flexibility heading into spring training. The Mariners can shuttle Pereda between Triple-A Tacoma and the big leagues without exposing him to waivers, allowing the organization to carry three catchers when needed or stash depth in the minors.
Seattle already signed veteran Andrew Knizner to a one-year major-league contract earlier this offseason, creating a backup competition behind All-Star Cal Raleigh. Pereda joins that mix as a third catching option with the flexibility to start the season in Tacoma if Knizner wins the backup job.
The acquisition represents insurance depth behind Raleigh, who played in 159 games in 2025 and has logged heavy workloads throughout his career.
Kowar Becomes Roster Casualty
Jackson Kowar’s departure closes a brief chapter in Seattle’s pitching depth. The Mariners acquired Kowar alongside another reliever in the December 2023 trade that sent Jarred Kelenic, Marco Gonzales, and Evan White to Atlanta.
Kowar suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament during spring training in 2024, wiping out his entire season. He returned in 2025 and made 15 relief appearances, posting a 2-0 record with a 4.24 ERA while striking out 15 batters against seven walks in 17 innings.
The Mariners now have seven days to trade, release or outright Kowar to the minors if he clears waivers.
Mariners Add .296 Hitter in Twins Trade for Cal Raleigh Insurance