The Seattle Mariners executed a strategic roster adjustment on January 27, 2025, by acquiring catcher Jhonny Pereda from the Minnesota Twins in a cash deal. Simultaneously, the team designated right-handed pitcher Jackson Kowar for assignment to free up a spot on their 40-man roster.
Mariners Bolster Catching Depth with Pereda Acquisition
Jhonny Pereda, a 29-year-old veteran, brings valuable experience to the Mariners' catching corps. Last season, he split time between the Oakland Athletics and Minnesota Twins, appearing in 28 games. During that stretch, Pereda posted a .246 batting average with a .325 on-base percentage, contributing four RBIs without hitting any home runs.
The Mariners view this move as a low-risk opportunity to enhance their positional depth, particularly behind the plate. Pereda's defensive capabilities and veteran presence provide insurance and flexibility as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
Minnesota's Roster Reorganization Strategy
The Twins had placed Pereda on assignment on January 23, creating an opportunity for Seattle to acquire him. Minnesota opted for a cash return rather than risking losing the catcher through waivers, demonstrating their focus on roster flexibility and financial considerations during this offseason period.
Kowar Designated for Assignment
To accommodate Pereda's addition, the Mariners designated Jackson Kowar for assignment. The 29-year-old right-handed reliever appeared in 15 games last season, compiling a 2-0 record with a 4.24 ERA. Despite showing moments of reliability in the bullpen, Seattle prioritized strengthening their catching situation over maintaining their current pitching depth.
This designation gives the Mariners several options with Kowar:
- Trade him to another team
- Place him on waivers
- Outright him to the minor leagues if he clears waivers
Strategic Implications for Seattle
This transaction represents the type of calculated, under-the-radar move that characterizes roster building during the offseason. Rather than pursuing headline-grabbing acquisitions, the Mariners focused on addressing specific positional needs while maintaining financial flexibility.
The Pereda-Kowar exchange illustrates how MLB teams constantly balance:
- Roster depth requirements
- Positional coverage priorities
- Financial considerations
- Long-term roster construction goals
For Seattle, this move represents another step in their ongoing effort to shape a competitive roster for the 2025 season and beyond, demonstrating their commitment to building organizational depth through strategic, low-cost acquisitions.
