Jackson Kowar was let go as the M's picked up some catching depth.
The Seattle Mariners made an interesting transaction with multiple layers to it on Tuesday night, acquiring catcher Jhonny Pareda from the Minnesota Twins for cash considerations.
In a corresponding move, the M's designated right-handed pitcher Jackson Kowar for assignment.
About Pereda
Now 29 years old, Pereda is a native of Venezuela who has appeared in parts of two major league seasons for the Miami Marlins, Athletics and Twins. A career .241 hitter, he has 0 home runs and six doubles. He only has 108 official at-bats. He has one minor league option remaining.
About how he fits with the Mariners
With Cal Raleigh locked in at the starting catcher position, Pereda is just depth, however he's important enough that the M's felt the need to trade for him - and put him on the 40-man roster.
Veteran Andrew Knizner was signed this offseason and figures to be the backup with Pereda serving as insurance in Tacoma. That said, insurance is important.
About Kowar
The more interesting end of this deal, at least to me, is the M's moving on from Kowar. Acquired in the 2023 trade that sent Jarred Kelenic to the Atlanta Braves, Kowar missed all of 2024 with Tommy John surgery. He returned in 2025, making 15 big-league appearances. He went 2-0 with a 4.24 ERA. Armed with a big fastball and a power slider, he's an intriguing arm, though he's yet to fully put it together. He's now 29.
What are the M's options with him now?
Well, the M's don't have many options. Since Kowar has no minor league options remaining, the M's had to designate him for assignment. He can be traded in the next few days or released. The Mariners could potentially bring him back if he passes through waivers and accepts an assignment in the minor leagues - or he could potentially re-sign with the M's on a minor league deal.
What does this mean for the bullpen?
As we've said all offseason, it feels like six of the eight bullpen spots are accounted for with Andres Munoz, Matt Brash, Gabe Speier, Eduard Bazardo, Jose Ferrer and Carlos Vargas. Kowar was always going to be a tough a fit because he was out of options, but Casey Legumina (also out of options), Cooper Criswell (also out of options), Troy Taylor and a slew of others will now battle for the last two spots.
We recently raised the idea of Emerson Hancock ending up in one of those two spots.
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