The Minnesota Twins traded a catcher this week to the Seattle Mariners.
The Minnesota Twins continued reshaping their roster in the heart of the 2026 offseason as the team made a quiet but meaningful trade with the Seattle Mariners this week.
For an organization working to balance veteran depth with emerging talent, every move matters. Minnesota’s front office has been methodically adjusting its 40 man roster after several new signings and designations earlier in January, trying to strike the right blend of experience and flexibility before spring training games begin.
Catcher depth has been a particular focus this winter. After signing multiple free agents and adding reinforcements behind the plate, the Twins found themselves with more options than they could regularly use at the major league level.
That surplus prompted a decision involving a veteran who had shown promise in limited action last season.
“We have traded C Jhonny Pereda to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for cash considerations,” the Twins wrote on X.
Pereda arrives in Seattle after a stint with the Twins that saw him fill in as catching depth down the stretch in 2025. In his 11 games with Minnesota last year, the 29 year old slashed .345/.387/.483 in 32 plate appearances with one RBI and eight strikeouts, demonstrating an ability to make contact and contribute.
His productive performance in Triple A St. Paul the same season, where he posted a .294/.448/.500 line with two homers and 10 RBIs in 68 at bats, underscored his offensive potential in the minors.
Overall, across 28 big league games in 2025 between the Athletics and Twins, Pereda hit .246 with a .325 on base percentage, four RBIs and no home runs, numbers that reflect a contact hitter more than a power bat.
For the Mariners, adding Pereda provides extra catching depth, particularly with starter Cal Raleigh expected to carry the primary workload and backup Andrew Knizner in the mix. Seattle also designated reliever Jackson Kowar for assignment to open a spot on the 40 man roster for Pereda.
From Minnesota’s perspective, the trade clears roster room as the club continues to form its Opening Day squad. With recent signings including catcher Victor Caratini and relief pitcher Taylor Rogers, the Twins have shifted toward players with clearer roles for 2026 while still maintaining flexibility to adjust during spring competition.
In the end, this move is about structure more than star power, and for both clubs it represents a step in their broader offseason strategies as they prepare for a new campaign.