Seattle Mariners 2019 Position Preview: Catchers

3 of 4

SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 04: David Freitas #36 of the Seattle Mariners reacts after dropping a routine pop fly hit by Cedric Mullins #3 of the Baltimore Orioles in the eighth inning at Safeco Field on September 4, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images) /

Of the four catchers who played for the Mariners in 2018, only David Freitas remains. It’s a fitting situation, given that Freitas served as Seattle’s crutch behind the plate for most of the year in the wake of Mike Zunino‘s injury early in the season and the mid-season retirement of Mike Marjama.

It’s certainly no mystery that Freitas isn’t the best catcher in the world, but it’s hard not to like the guy. From his wonky dad-playing-whiffle-ball batting stance to his adorable family-oriented Instagram, Freitas is a very easy guy to root for.

He also wasn’t particularly terrible on the field for the Mariners last year, despite posting relatively underwhelming numbers. The 29-year-old slashed just .215/.277/.312, but seemed to find the ball in some clutch moments. He also showed some small signs of improvement defensively, though he struggled to handle the opposition’s run game.

Freitas may not be the most ideal catcher to pair with the developing Omar Narváez, but it wouldn’t be the end of the world if Seattle doesn’t sign a catcher and Freitas breaks camp with the team.

DAVID FREITAS