The Seattle Mariners just re-signed catcher Jacob Nottingham to a minor-league contract. That move feels like a nod to depth and veteran leadership, especially with spring training almost here.
It’s not clear if Nottingham gets a big-league camp invite. Still, at 30, he brings a familiar, seasoned vibe after bouncing between the majors, minors, and even the independent Mexican League in 2024.
Nottingham’s MLB numbers through 2021 aren’t great. These days, his value seems to be all about organizational depth and mentorship, especially with Cal Raleigh locked in as the everyday catcher and Andrew Knizner set to back him up.
Impact on Seattle’s catching depth and spring plans
Cal Raleigh is the Mariners’ starting catcher, and Andrew Knizner should be the primary backup. So, Nottingham’s return looks more like a strategic depth move than a real push for an MLB backup spot.
He could land at Triple-A Tacoma. There, he’d guide younger pitchers and catchers, and give the Mariners a safety net if injuries or slumps pop up.
Seattle clearly wants a steady ladder of catchers in the system. They’d rather call up someone they know than scramble for waivers midseason.
Nottingham’s major-league experience, though limited since 2021, helps bridge the gap between the big leagues and minors. The Mariners seem to like that continuity in player development.
Nottingham’s career arc and what he brings to the organization
Nottingham’s career really does read like a classic journeyman story. The Astros drafted him, then he went to Oakland in the 2015 Scott Kazmir swap, and later landed in Milwaukee via the Khris Davis deal.
He finally broke into the majors in 2021, hitting .184/.277/.421 over 130 plate appearances in 54 games. Since then, he’s spent time in the Mariners’, Giants’, and Nationals’ minor-league systems, plus a stint in the Mexican League in 2024.
Across 293 minor-league games, Nottingham has hit .235/.321/.415, numbers that might look a bit better thanks to those hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League parks.
His 2025 season was short and not great—just 17 games in Triple-A Tacoma, slashing .193/.277/.298. Still, the Mariners seem to like him as a steady veteran who can catch, mentor pitchers, and help stabilize a bullpen during spring and in the minors.
Other catchers in camp and what that could mean
Seattle’s got a handful of catchers in camp this spring. The group includes some familiar names and a couple of guys who might shake things up if things break their way.
Besides Nottingham, you’ve got Jhonny Pereda, Mitch Garver, Brian O’Keefe, and Jakson Reetz all looking for a shot. Some of these players might even have opt-out clauses if they don’t see a clear path to the majors as spring games roll on.
- Jhonny Pereda
- Mitch Garver
- Brian O’Keefe
- Jakson Reetz
Honestly, this isn’t about a splashy headline move. The real story is how Seattle keeps stacking depth, mixing in veterans and younger prospects.
Nottingham, along with the rest, gives the Mariners options. They want to keep Triple-A Tacoma stocked with reliable catchers so they can handle whatever the season throws at them.
Here is the source article for this story: Mariners Re-Sign Jacob Nottingham To Minor League Deal
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