Former Seattle Mariners Minor League Catcher Signs With Cleveland Guardians
The Seattle Mariners are still looking to make their first "big" acquisition of the offseason after entering the break with pressing needs at second and third base.
But the minor league system has been in constant flux since the offseason began.
The Mariners had over 30 minor leaguers that left the organization either via free agency or retirement. Some players, like Luis Curvelo and CJ Widger, have already picked up with new teams and will have an opportunity to make impacts on major league rosters in 2025.
And another former Seattle prospect has found a home for next year.
Former Mariners catching prospect and seventh-round 2018 draft pick Jake Anchia signed a minor league deal with the Cleveland Guardians that included an invite to Spring Training.
Congrats to our client, @jakeanchia, on his signing with the Cleveland Guardians, which includes an invitation to Major League Spring Training.🤝 He was previously with the Seattle Mariners & ranked by @BaseballAmerica as their Best Defensive Catcher prospect. #ForTheLand #MLB pic.twitter.com/8NKVT6vIFG
— Gavin Kahn (@Gavin_Kahn) December 31, 2024
Anchia spent seven years in Seattle's farm system and hadn't advanced past the team's Double-A level. With the Arkansas Travelers last season, Anchia hit .210 with nine home runs and 39 RBIs in 79 games played. In 2023 with the Travelers, he batted .190 with four home runs and 23 RBIs.
Touch 'em ALL, Jake đź’Ş
— Arkansas Travelers (@ARTravs) April 27, 2024
Anchia's 2nd homer of the series would prove to be the game-winner in Springfield! pic.twitter.com/kL4VUSmdae
Anchia's future with the Mariners didn't have a favorable outlook. The organization's major league catching depth is set with starter Cal Raleigh and backup Mitch Garver. One of the team's top minor leaguers and a top prospect in baseball, Harry Ford, also plays the position.
The Guardians needed catching depth in the higher levels of their farm system and Anchia, with six years of experience, fits the bill.
His hitting numbers in Double-A the last two season don't inspire confidence. But if he puts together a solid spring, he could get his first taste of the major leagues relatively soon in Cleveland.
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