On January 27, the Seattle Mariners acquired catcher Jhonny Pereda from the Minnesota Twins for cash considerations and cleared a roster spot by designating pitcher Jackson Kowar for assignment. Shortly after, on February 3, the Twins claimed Kowar off waivers. Although this sequence of events does not officially count as a trade, it resembles one once the 40-man roster adjustments are considered, highlighting the complexities behind the scenes of roster management.
The Mariners’ decision, while unconventional, reflects shifting priorities, particularly concerning catching depth. With Cal Raleigh as the primary catcher, Seattle focused on insurance for possible injuries. Pereda, with a minor league option still available, can serve as a flexible backup in Tacoma, preserving roster flexibility without risking game performance during unforeseen absences.
How the Kowar Waiver Created an Unexpected Twist in Mariners’ Offseason Strategy
Jackson Kowar, a former first-round pick known for his powerful fastball and potential upside, represents the kind of pitcher organizations hope to develop despite past struggles. In the 2023 season, Kowar provided 17 innings out of the Mariners’ bullpen, posting a 4.24 ERA over 15 appearances before suffering a late-season shoulder issue. Without minor league options and positioned low on the bullpen depth chart, Kowar’s place on the 40-man roster was tenuous.
While Kowar is not viewed as a major loss, his waiver claim underscores the difficult decisions teams face in valuing roster spots. The Mariners have prioritized building consistent bullpen depth over maintaining surplus arms at the risk of losing flexibility. Catching depth is more critical and less replaceable, making the decision to keep Pereda over Kowar a calculated risk aimed at safeguarding the team’s operational stability throughout the season.
Trade-Like Dynamics Reveal the Strain of Offseason Roster Management
Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic summed up the situation succinctly: the Mariners acquired Pereda, designated Kowar for assignment, and then had Kowar claimed by Minnesota — “so, kind of a trade.” This sequence highlights how closely intertwined and sometimes awkward offseason roster moves can appear, as franchises juggle 40-man roster constraints, player options, and depth needs under pressure.
Seattle’s maneuvering reflects the broader “offseason vibe”: teams making incremental moves to balance immediate needs against long-term planning amidst ongoing roster puzzles. The Mariners likely acted wisely in prioritizing catching depth over pitching surplus, yet the rapid reversal—where Minnesota essentially reclaimed Kowar—adds an unusual wrinkle and demonstrates the uneasy nature of managing a Major League Baseball roster.
Twins claimed reliever Jackson Kowar off waivers from the Mariners.
Seattle designated Kowar for assignment after acquiring Jhonny Pereda from the Twins for cash.
So, kind of a trade.
Kowar was a 2018 first-round pick. Now he's 29 and has an 8.21 ERA in 91 career MLB innings.
— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) February 3, 2026
