As spring training draws to a close and the countdown to Opening Day enters its final stretch, the Seattle Mariners continued the process of refining and finalizing their roster. On Sunday, the organization made another series of moves aimed at narrowing down the group of players who will break camp with the major league club.
These decisions are part of the routine but often difficult process teams undergo each year as they transition from the experimentation and evaluation phase of spring training into the competitive regular season.
In this latest round of roster cuts and assignments, the Mariners optioned three players to Triple-A Tacoma: catcher Jhonny Pereda, along with right-handed relief pitchers Cole Wilcox and Yosver Zulueta. In addition, the team reassigned first baseman/outfielder Connor Joe and infield prospect Brock Rodden to minor league camp.
With these moves, Seattle reduced its spring training roster to 31 players, inching closer to the standard 26-man roster that will be set before Opening Day.
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Each of these decisions reflects both the performances seen during spring training and the broader roster construction strategy employed by the Mariners’ front office and coaching staff. While some players showed promise and performed well in limited opportunities, roster spots are limited, and difficult choices are inevitable.
Jhonny Pereda, a 29-year-old catcher, was one of the players sent down to Triple-A. The Mariners acquired Pereda from the Minnesota Twins in January in exchange for cash considerations, bringing him into camp as a potential candidate for the backup catcher role. Throughout spring training, he was given opportunities to compete for that spot behind starting catcher Cal Raleigh. However, despite his efforts, Pereda ultimately fell short in that competition.
Earlier on Sunday, Mariners insider Shannon Drayer reported that veteran catcher Mitch Garver would emerge from camp as Raleigh’s primary backup. This development effectively sealed Pereda’s fate, as the team opted to go with Garver’s experience and track record at the major league level.
During his time in Cactus League play this spring, Pereda recorded a .200 batting average across 25 at-bats. While not an extensive sample size, his offensive output did not provide enough of a boost to outweigh Garver’s veteran presence and established production. As a result, Pereda will begin the season in Triple-A Tacoma, where he can continue to refine his skills and remain available as depth in case of injuries or future roster needs.
Another notable move involved Cole Wilcox, a 26-year-old right-handed reliever who had an intriguing showing during spring training. Wilcox was acquired by the Mariners from the Tampa Bay Rays last November, also in a cash transaction. Although he is not yet a household name, Wilcox demonstrated flashes of considerable potential throughout his appearances in the Cactus League.
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Over the course of eight outings this spring, Wilcox pitched 8 1/3 innings and struck out 11 batters, an impressive strikeout rate that caught the attention of the coaching staff. He did allow four runs on six hits and issued four walks, indicating that while his stuff is promising, there is still room for improvement in terms of command and consistency.
Mariners manager Dan Wilson spoke positively about Wilcox earlier in the month, noting that “his stuff has been tremendous” and adding that the young reliever “has opened some eyes” with his performance.
Despite these encouraging signs, Wilcox was ultimately optioned to Triple-A Tacoma. This decision likely reflects the team’s desire to ensure he continues to develop in a lower-pressure environment while maintaining flexibility within the major league bullpen. Given his upside and the impressions he made during camp, it would not be surprising to see Wilcox earn a call-up at some point during the season if he continues to progress.
Yosver Zulueta, another right-handed reliever, was also optioned to Triple-A. The 28-year-old pitcher joined the Mariners earlier this year after being acquired in a January trade with the Cincinnati Reds. Like Wilcox, Zulueta had a solid spring training showing that demonstrated both his strengths and areas for improvement.
In eight Cactus League appearances, Zulueta logged seven innings and recorded 10 strikeouts, showcasing his ability to generate swings and misses. He allowed three runs on six hits and walked three batters, numbers that indicate he was relatively effective but not dominant. His strikeout rate suggests he possesses the kind of arm talent that could be valuable at the major league level, but consistency and control remain key factors in his ongoing development.
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The Mariners’ decision to option Zulueta to Triple-A suggests that while they see potential in his abilities, they believe additional seasoning is necessary before he can contribute regularly in the majors. Like Wilcox, Zulueta will have the opportunity to continue refining his craft in Tacoma, where strong performances could position him for a future call-up.
In addition to the players who were optioned, the Mariners also reassigned two individuals to minor league camp: Connor Joe and Brock Rodden. Unlike players on the 40-man roster who can be optioned, these reassignments typically involve players who were in camp as non-roster invitees or prospects being evaluated during spring training.
Connor Joe, a 33-year-old first baseman and outfielder, joined the Mariners organization on a minor league contract in February. A six-year major league veteran, Joe brought experience and versatility to camp, along with a reputation for solid offensive production. Over the course of spring training, he performed exceptionally well at the plate, making a strong case for consideration.
In 47 Cactus League at-bats, Joe posted an impressive .362 batting average. His offensive contributions included one home run, one triple, and six doubles, highlighting his ability to hit for both average and extra-base power. Despite this strong showing, Joe was ultimately reassigned to minor league camp, a decision that underscores the competitive nature of roster battles and the constraints teams face when assembling their final lineup.
While Joe did not secure a spot on the Opening Day roster, his performance likely did not go unnoticed. Players in his position often remain on the radar as potential call-ups, especially if injuries or performance issues arise during the regular season. His experience and offensive capability make him a valuable depth option within the organization.
Brock Rodden, a 25-year-old infielder and one of the Mariners’ more promising prospects, was also reassigned to minor league camp. According to MLB Pipeline, Rodden is ranked as the No. 18 prospect in the Mariners’ system, reflecting his potential and the organization’s belief in his future contributions.
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Rodden was selected by Seattle in the fifth round of the 2023 MLB Draft out of Wichita State, and he has quickly begun to make an impression within the organization. During this spring’s Cactus League play, he delivered an outstanding offensive performance, batting .361 over 36 at-bats. His production included two home runs, one triple, and one double, showcasing a well-rounded offensive skill set that combines power and contact ability.
Despite his strong showing, Rodden’s reassignment to minor league camp is not unexpected. As a relatively recent draft pick, he is still in the early stages of his professional development. The Mariners are likely focused on providing him with consistent playing time and opportunities to continue growing in a more structured minor league environment. His performance this spring, however, serves as an encouraging sign of his potential and suggests that he could become a factor at the major league level in the future.
With these roster moves, the Mariners now have 31 players remaining in big league camp. This number will need to be trimmed further in the coming days as the team finalizes its 26-man roster ahead of Opening Day. The decisions made during this final phase are often among the most challenging, as they involve balancing immediate needs with long-term development, as well as weighing performance, experience, and positional depth.
Spring training serves as a critical evaluation period for players and teams alike. For veterans, it is an opportunity to prepare for the season and solidify their roles. For younger players and non-roster invitees, it represents a chance to make an impression and potentially earn a spot on the roster. While not everyone can make the team, strong performances can still have a lasting impact, influencing future opportunities and shaping the organization’s depth chart.
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In the case of the Mariners, the moves made on Sunday reflect a combination of performance-based decisions and strategic planning. Players like Wilcox and Zulueta demonstrated promising abilities but will continue their development in Triple-A. Pereda, despite competing for a roster spot, will serve as organizational depth behind the plate. Meanwhile, Joe and Rodden showed impressive offensive capabilities but will begin the season in the minors, where they can continue to build on their success.
As Opening Day approaches, the Mariners will continue to evaluate their remaining players and make the final cuts necessary to assemble a competitive roster. The decisions made during this period can have significant implications for the team’s success over the course of the season, as well as for the development and progression of individual players within the organization.
Ultimately, while roster reductions can be disappointing for those who fall short of making the team, they are also an integral part of the process that shapes a club’s identity and readiness for the challenges of a long and demanding major league season.
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