Seattle Mariners 2019 Position Preview: Catchers

Mike Zunino was the first name on Jerry Dipoto’s chopping block this offseason, consequently leaving the Mariners in a state of flux regarding their backstop.

With just one Major League addition to the catcher position over the last four months, the M’s are heading into Spring Training perhaps a tad bit short-handed. It’s possible that they may eventually dip into a free agent pool still rich in veteran catching depth, but for now they have two catchers they could easily roll into the season with.

The problem is, however, that these two players are the only catchers on the Mariners’ 40-man roster. Behind them, there is very little depth.  Teams tend to carry at least three or four catchers on their 40-man roster, including at least one veteran to stash in Triple-A.

With a young catcher – whose history of below-average defensive play has been a topic of discussion since his acquisition – set to start on a consistent basis, and an older backup with minimal Major League experience, there’s a cause for concern for the in-game development of Seattle’s young, up-and-coming pitchers.

But there is potential in this small group, especially on the offensive side of things. Today, we’ll be looking at that potential and how it all may shake out in the year to come.