Mariners Bid Farewell to Curt Casali: A Look at His New Journey with the Atlanta Braves
The baseball offseason has been a period of transition for the Seattle Mariners, with various players finding new teams. Most recently, backup catcher Curt Casali has departed to join the Atlanta Braves, marking his 11th organization since his debut with the Detroit Tigers in 2011.
Casali’s Stint with the Mariners & Transition to Atlanta Braves
During the Mariners’ significant playoff season in 2022, Casali contributed in 16 games, showcasing his talent with a .125 batting average, a home run, and three RBIs. His short-lived tenure with Seattle came to an end when he was traded from the San Francisco Giants in August 2022. Following his free agency after the season, he briefly joined the Cincinnati Reds in December 2022.
In 2024, Casali returned to the Giants for his second stint, where he appeared in 41 games as the backup catcher. Despite modest offensive statistics with a .194 batting average, he demonstrated defensive prowess by catching nine out of 55 base runners attempting to steal.
Now, as Casali embarks on his journey with the Atlanta Braves, his veteran experience and versatility present a valuable addition to the team’s roster. While the Braves already have Sean Murphy and Chadwick Tromp as catchers, Casali’s expertise is expected to secure him a role as the third-string or emergency catcher in Atlanta.
Mariners’ Catching Depth Reinforcement
In light of Casali’s departure, the Mariners swiftly moved to bolster their catching depth by acquiring Blake Hunt in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles. Hunt is anticipated to serve as the third-string catcher, supporting primary catcher Cal Raleigh and backup Mitch Garver in the upcoming season.
As Curt Casali bids farewell to the Mariners and embraces a new chapter with the Atlanta Braves, his blend of experience and versatility promises to make a significant impact on his new team’s roster. His journey exemplifies the dynamic nature of professional baseball, where players like Casali continue to make their mark across various organizations, enriching the sport with their talent and dedication.