The Cleveland Guardians were looking for organizational catching depth, especially in the upper minors.
They saw a good opportunity and pounced on Tuesday, signing former seventh-rounder Jake Anchia to a minor league deal with an invitation to major league spring training camp.
“Guardians needed to add catching depth in the upper minors. Looks like one will be Mariners 2018 7th rounder Jake Anchia, who was a minor league FA,” Guardians reporter Justin Lada posted on X.
Guardians needed to add catching depth in the upper minors.
Looks like one will be Mariners 2018 7th rounder Jake Anchia, who was a minor league FA. https://t.co/ip5TRmbhNs
— Justin L. (jlbaseball on bluesky) (@JL_Baseball) December 31, 2024
Anchia was a part of the Seattle Mariners organization from 2018, the year he was drafted, until 2024.
He reached as high as Triple-A in 2022, playing a couple of games there.
According to his agency, Anchia was ranked by Baseball America as their Best Defensive Catcher prospect.
Major league teams are always in need of catchers for the dozens of pitchers that show up in spring training every year.
Anchia knows that he has a very good opportunity in front of him.
Reports about his defense have always been positive.
He is not really much of a hitter, though.
In 79 games and 290 plate appearances in the Mariners’ Double-A team, he had a paltry 66 wRC+.
For reference, 100 is considered the league average value at every level.
He did hit nine home runs so he has some pop.
Over his long minor league career, Anchia has hit .209 with a .625 OPS.
It’s a no-risk, depth-oriented move by the Guardians as they value good defense, particularly behind the plate.
It’s a fresh start for Anchia, as the Guards would be his second MLB organization.
NEXT: Guardians Farm System Ranked Inside MLB's Top Ten
