The Seattle Mariners are turning heads as they gear up for the 2026 season, announcing yet another addition to their catcher corps that promises to inject depth, competition, and potential power into the lineup. With spring training just around the corner, the team is clearly focused on creating a dynamic roster capable of supporting star catcher Cal Raleigh while keeping opposing pitchers on edge. Fans can expect an intense battle for the backup role, as the Mariners make it clear that every roster spot will be earned on merit.
Seattle’s front office has been proactive in addressing the backup catcher position ever since trading top prospect Harry Ford, who was deemed too valuable to be limited to a secondary role. That move left the Mariners with a clear need for a versatile, offensive-minded catcher who could not only handle the pitching staff but also provide a pop at the plate. In response, the team has been busy assembling a group of contenders poised to make a statement from the very start of spring training.
Among the newest additions is 30-year-old Jakson Reetz, who signed a minor-league contract with Seattle on January 24 and has been added as a non-roster invitee for spring training. Reetz has limited major league experience, appearing in only eight games since his debut in 2021, but he has consistently demonstrated power at the Triple-A level, including a 30-home run season in 2022. While he’s yet to prove himself at the MLB level, his ability to hit for power could make him a valuable asset if he earns playing time this season.
Reetz is joining a competitive group that includes Andrew Knizner, previously expected to claim the backup role, as well as two-year MLB veteran Brian O’Keefe and newly acquired Jhonny Pereda. All three are expected to challenge for time behind Raleigh, making the position battle one of the most intriguing storylines for the Mariners’ 2026 campaign. The mix of experience and raw potential ensures that spring training will be a high-stakes proving ground.
While Reetz’s defensive track record is still largely untested at the major league level, his offensive upside is clear. Mariners management hopes that the addition of a player with demonstrated power in the minors can provide both roster flexibility and a potential spark in games where the team needs an extra boost. Depth behind the plate has become a strategic focus, and Reetz’s signing signals a commitment to competition and long-term stability.
As fans await the 2026 season opener, all eyes will be on Seattle’s catcher room to see who rises to the occasion. With Reetz and the rest of the newly assembled group vying for playing time, the Mariners are poised to enter spring training with an exciting, high-energy battle that could have a meaningful impact on the season. This addition may not be a guaranteed star yet, but it adds intrigue, potential power, and a fresh storyline for Mariners fans eager for the new campaign.