Cleveland Guardians Add Catching Depth with Jake Anchia Signing

In an effort to bolster their organizational catching depth, especially in the upper minors, the Cleveland Guardians made a savvy move this week by signing former Seattle Mariners prospect Jake Anchia to a minor league deal with an invitation to major league spring training.

The 26-year-old Anchia, a 2018 seventh-round draft pick by the Mariners, spent six years in Seattle’s system before becoming a minor league free agent in 2024. While his offensive production has been inconsistent, Anchia’s reputation as a strong defensive catcher made him an appealing addition for the Guardians, who were looking to add depth behind the plate.

A Defensive Specialist Behind the Plate

Anchia’s defensive abilities are what have truly set him apart. Ranked as the best defensive catcher prospect in the Mariners’ system by Baseball America, Anchia has earned consistent praise for his work behind the plate. The Guardians, known for their strong emphasis on defense, will be hoping he can bring that same skill set to their organization.

Anchia’s defensive prowess is something the Guardians value highly, especially considering the significant role catchers play in managing pitchers during spring training. With dozens of pitchers rotating through camps every year, having solid, reliable catchers to handle the workload is crucial, and Anchia is expected to step into that role.

Offensive Struggles and Potential for Improvement

While Anchia’s defense is his strength, his offense has been a point of concern. In 79 games with the Mariners’ Double-A affiliate, he posted a dismal 66 wRC+, well below the league average of 100. His .209 batting average and .625 OPS over his minor league career also raise questions about his ability to contribute offensively at the major league level.

However, Anchia does have some pop in his bat. In his time in Double-A, he hit nine home runs, showing that he can add power when needed. The Guardians will likely be more focused on his ability to manage a pitching staff and contribute defensively, but if he can find a way to elevate his bat, he could become a more valuable asset.

A Fresh Start for Anchia

The Guardians’ signing of Anchia is a no-risk move aimed at adding depth and solidifying their catching corps in the minors. If Anchia can continue to develop his defensive game while improving his offensive consistency, he could push for a spot on the big league roster, especially as a backup or third-string catcher.

This marks a fresh start for Anchia, who joins his second MLB organization after spending his entire professional career in Seattle’s system. With a strong chance to show off his skills in spring training and the Guardians’ clear emphasis on defense, Anchia has a solid opportunity to carve out a niche with Cleveland.

Looking Ahead

As the Guardians prepare for the 2025 season, their efforts to shore up catching depth with Anchia’s addition could pay dividends down the line. For a team focused on pitching and defense, a player like Anchia offers a low-risk, potentially high-reward scenario—particularly if his defense remains top-tier. Whether or not he can develop offensively will be an interesting story to watch as the Guardians move forward in their pursuit of success.