Seattle Mariners and Tampa Bay Rays Swing a Trade Involving Minor League Catchers

Hunt wasn't on the Top-30 prospect list for the Rays but will get an opportunity to contribute for the Mariners. The 24-year-old played in Double-A and Triple-A last season, hitting .256 total with 12 home runs and 41 RBI.

Cal Raleigh is cemented as the M's everyday catcher but there has been a question about his backup. Tom Murphy is a free agent. While Murphy was injured last year, the team utilized Brian O'Keefe and Luis Torrens as well. Torrens was also recently outrighted and elected free agency. There is a chance that Hunt breaks camp with the team, but the M's could also still pick up another catcher to play behind Raleigh.

Seattle finished 88-74 last season and missed the playoffs by 1.0 game. They finished third in the American League West and will need to continue making roster moves if they want to get past the Houston Astros or Texas Rangers in the AL West.

As for the Rays, this move allows them a chance to clear space on the 40-man roster. They won 99 games last year, finishing second in the AL East. They were beaten in the AL wild card round by the Rangers.