The Seattle Mariners began signing international prospects this past Thursday, marking an important step toward shaping their future, especially regarding Cal Raleigh catching prospects. The team continues to build its roster with players who could fill key roles several years from now, focusing not only on immediate needs but long-term development behind the plate.
New Catching Talents Leonardo Reynoso and Daniel Alaña Join Mariners
Among the fresh international signings are Daniel Alaña from Venezuela and Leonardo Reynoso from the Dominican Republic, both of whom could emerge as important catching prospects for the Mariners. Daniel Alaña, secured with a $600,000 signing bonus, stands out as a right-handed power hitter with an uppercut swing designed to elevate the ball to his pull side. His solid frame, measuring about 5-foot-11, and a strong arm make him well-suited for the catcher position.
Leonardo Reynoso, signed for $750,000, is officially listed as an infielder but carries unique potential. As a 5-foot-10, stocky switch-hitter, Reynoso possesses an arm strong enough to play across the infield. Yet his body type—and versatility—points to third base as a likely fit. Notably, there is speculation about converting him into a catcher, an uncommon but intriguing possibility.
“Leonardo Reynoso is a switch-hitting shortstop who could make an interesting conversion candidate ð He’s expected to sign with the Mariners. Top 100 bonus board: https://t.co/NDrVgwmR5M pic.twitter.com/rPe3UiP3DA” – Baseball America
Ben Badler from Baseball America describes Reynoso as an intriguing prospect for a catching conversion, which is a rarity in baseball since most players tend to move away from catcher rather than toward it. While many successful major leaguers began as catchers and transitioned to other positions—such as Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Daulton Varsho, and Kenley Jansen—the reverse path is unusual. However, Jorge Posada remains a notable example of a player who rose to prominence catching after starting elsewhere.
Challenges and Opportunities Behind the Plate for Seattle
Reynoso’s skill set suggests he might not fit well as a middle infielder, and his hitting profile leans more toward line drives and gap power than consistent home run power, which may limit his suitability at third base long term. Given these factors, a catching role could maximize his upside and benefit the organization’s depth at that position.
The Mariners currently face a shortage of catching prospects after trading Harry Ford in December. Luke Stevenson remains their only full-time catching prospect within the top 30 rankings and is regarded primarily as a potential backup for Cal Raleigh rather than his successor. This dearth of catching options places additional value on the potential behind both Alaña and Reynoso.
Both players remain teenagers and, as such, are expected to require approximately five years of development before becoming viable major league candidates. With Cal Raleigh, now 29 and under contract through the 2030 season, approaching the likely end of his tenure as Seattle’s starting catcher, the timing for grooming future talents aligns well with the team’s strategic window.
Outlook for the Mariners’ Catching Pipeline in Coming Years
If one of these young signees—Alaña or Reynoso—can successfully transition into a major league catcher, the Mariners will have secured a significant asset for the post-Raleigh era. Their international signing approach, led by general manager Jerry Dipoto, reflects a strategy that has previously yielded standouts like Julio Rodríguez and several other top prospects presently ranked by Baseball America, such as Lazaro Montes, Michael Arroyo, and Felnin Celesten.
By investing in these prospects now, Seattle aims to maintain competitiveness and roster stability into the 2030s, particularly at the valuable catcher position. The development of Alaña and Reynoso will be closely monitored as the organization balances their progress with the existing catchers in the farm system, keeping Seattle’s long-term catching outlook dynamic and hopeful.
Leonardo Reynoso is a switch-hitting shortstop who could make an interesting conversion candidate 👀
He's expected to sign with the Mariners.
Top 100 bonus board: https://t.co/NDrVgwmR5M pic.twitter.com/rPe3UiP3DA
— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) January 14, 2026
