BREAKING: Mariners Make Two Key Additions, Adding Veteran Reliever and Catching Depth
The Seattle Mariners have made a pair of moves designed to strengthen their organizational depth, bringing in former New York Yankees reliever Scott Effross on a minor league contract while also claiming catcher Willie MacIver off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays.
The two moves give Seattle additional options as the club navigates the second half of the season and looks to maintain a competitive roster. While neither player immediately joins the major-league team, both could become useful pieces if the Mariners encounter injuries or need additional depth.
Effross, a 32-year-old right-handed pitcher, has agreed to a minor league deal with Seattle and will report to Triple-A Tacoma. The veteran reliever is attempting to work his way back to the major leagues after spending the 2026 season in the Detroit Tigers organization.
Effross began the year with Detroit on a minor league agreement after attending spring training as a non-roster invitee. He appeared in 27 games for Triple-A Toledo, throwing 36 1/3 innings. During that time, he recorded a 4.46 ERA, struck out 16 percent of opposing hitters and generated a 42 percent ground-ball rate.
The Tigers released Effross last week, giving him the opportunity to find another organization. Seattle has now provided him with a fresh opportunity to rebuild his form and potentially earn another major-league opportunity.
Effross has appeared in 88 MLB games since making his debut in 2021. His most impressive stretch came during his rookie season with the Chicago Cubs in 2022. His performance that year attracted the attention of the Yankees, who acquired him at the trade deadline in a deal involving then-prospect Hayden Wesneski.
Unfortunately, injuries interrupted his development. Effross underwent Tommy John surgery, forcing him to miss the 2023 season. He also underwent back surgery during the following offseason and later dealt with a left hamstring injury that delayed his return last season. He eventually made 10 2/3 MLB innings for New York before being non-tendered.
Seattle could provide Effross with another chance to establish himself as a reliable bullpen option.
The Mariners also added catching depth by claiming Willie MacIver off waivers from Toronto. The 29-year-old catcher has been assigned to Triple-A Tacoma after the Blue Jays designated him for assignment.
MacIver has limited major-league experience, appearing in 33 games with the Athletics last season. He recorded a .186/.252/.324 batting line across 111 plate appearances. However, his minor-league production has been considerably stronger.
Across 1,146 Triple-A plate appearances, MacIver owns a .286/.376/.470 slash line. He has also demonstrated enough offensive ability to make him an attractive depth option for an organization that needs additional catching insurance.
The move comes after Seattle recently released Mitch Garver and promoted Jhonny Pereda to the major-league roster alongside Cal Raleigh. MacIver now gives the Mariners another catcher who can remain in Tacoma while staying available if the big-league club needs help.
The timing of the additions is also notable because Seattle’s bullpen has experienced some recent struggles. The unit currently ranks in the middle of the league in several categories, while its ERA has climbed during the past month as home runs have become a greater issue.
With Cole Wilcox recently dealing with an oblique strain, Effross could have an opportunity to compete for a middle-relief role if he performs well in Triple-A.
For Seattle, these moves represent low-risk additions with potentially useful upside. MacIver provides catching depth, while Effross brings major-league experience to a bullpen that could use reinforcements.
Neither player is guaranteed a major-league role, but both now have an opportunity to prove they can help the Mariners during the remainder of the season.
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