Mariners Add Jhonny Pereda to 40-Man, DFA Jackson Kowar

The Seattle Mariners bolstered their catching depth by acquiring Jhonny Pereda from the Minnesota Twins for cash considerations and adding him to the 40-man roster, a move that came at the expense of right-hander Jackson Kowar, who was designated for assignment to open the spot. Pereda, 29, brings a lengthy Triple-A résumé and immediate option flexibility that fits Seattle's need for shuttleable veteran depth between Tacoma and the big league club.

Pereda has compiled a .296 batting average and roughly a .811 OPS across 253 Triple-A games, numbers that signal a reliable veteran bat at the highest minor-league level. Since his major league debut in 2024, Pereda has appeared in 50 MLB games, giving the Mariners a catcher who already has some big league seasoning and can be moved up and down without burning a major league option in most cases. If Andrew Knizner secures the backup role behind Cal Raleigh, Pereda projects to open the season at Triple-A Tacoma and serve as experienced depth should an injury or performance issue require a quick promotion.

Kowar's designation for assignment removes a pitching piece from Seattle's 40-man mix and places the right-hander on waivers, exposing him to claims, trade interest, or release. The move underscores the often transactional nature of roster management in January, when clubs balance offseason acquisitions, arbitration planning, and optioned depth ahead of spring training. For Kowar, the DFA begins a 7-day window in which the Mariners can trade him, release him, or place him on outright waivers.

This transaction reflects broader industry trends in roster construction. Teams are increasingly valuing players with minor-league option flexibility who can be used as plug-and-play depth while preserving service time and innings at the major-league level. Pereda's profile - a veteran Triple-A bat with some MLB exposure - is precisely the type of insurance many clubs seek as they navigate tight 40-man rosters and the realities of long seasons.

For Triple-A Tacoma fans, Pereda's arrival offers a tangible upgrade at catcher and a hitter who can steady a lineup and mentor younger pitchers learning to handle a pro backstop. For Mariners followers, the addition signals a pragmatic approach to roster depth ahead of spring, prioritizing readiness and flexibility. Jackson Kowar's next stop will depend on waiver interest, but the roster shakeup clarifies Seattle's short-term priorities behind the plate.

Looking ahead, Pereda's assignment and Kowar's DFA are the opening moves in roster chess as spring training approaches; Pereda could be the first call when injuries strike or performance demands a replacement, while Kowar's fate will reveal whether other clubs value him as a reclamation project or depth arm.