Mariners Lose 7-Year Veteran to Rockies in Free Agency

Seattle's backup catcher position remains in flux after offseason roster moves.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game broken down into overlapping planes of color and shape, representing the complex roster changes facing the Mariners.The departure of a veteran backup catcher leaves the Mariners' roster in flux as the new season approaches.Seattle Today

The Seattle Mariners have lost a key veteran player from their roster, as backup catcher Trent Grisham has signed a 3-year deal with the Colorado Rockies in free agency. Grisham had been with the Mariners for 7 seasons, providing depth and experience behind the plate.

Why it matters

The Mariners' backup catcher position was an area of focus this offseason after the team traded away top prospect Harry Ford. Grisham's departure leaves a hole that the team will need to fill, either through free agency, a trade, or by promoting from within their minor league system.

The details

Trent Grisham, a 32-year-old backup catcher, has signed a 3-year, $18 million contract with the Colorado Rockies. Grisham had been with the Mariners since 2019, appearing in over 200 games and providing veteran leadership and defensive stability behind the plate.

  • Grisham signed with the Rockies on April 1, 2026.
  • He had been with the Mariners since the 2019 season.

The players

Trent Grisham

A 32-year-old backup catcher who spent the last 7 seasons with the Seattle Mariners.

Harry Ford

A top prospect in the Mariners' minor league system who was traded away this offseason.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Trent has been a valuable member of our team for the past several years. We're disappointed to see him go, but we wish him the best of luck with the Rockies.”

— Jerry Dipoto, General Manager, Seattle Mariners

What’s next

The Mariners will need to find a new backup catcher, either through free agency, a trade, or by promoting from within their minor league system, before the start of the regular season.

The takeaway

The loss of veteran backup catcher Trent Grisham to the Rockies in free agency leaves the Mariners with a hole to fill on their roster. This offseason move highlights the challenges of maintaining roster depth, especially at key positions like catcher.