Nick Raposo’s Unexpected Journey to Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers
The baseball world is no stranger to twists and turns, and for Nick Raposo, the journey from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Seattle Mariners’ Triple-A club, the Tacoma Rainiers, has been nothing short of unexpected.
Raposo’s Path to the Mariners’ Triple-A Club
Former St. Louis Cardinals catcher Nick Raposo found himself on a different path when the Seattle Mariners designated him for assignment after acquiring utility player Miles Mastrobuoni in a trade with the Chicago Cubs. This move led to Raposo being outrighted to the Tacoma Rainiers, the Mariners’ Triple-A affiliate.
Transition in the Mariners’ Roster
The Seattle Mariners had their 40-man roster at full capacity for quite some time, prompting a series of strategic moves after a significant hiatus. Among these moves was the decision to designate several players for assignment, including Raposo, who eventually landed in Tacoma.
Raposo’s Baseball Journey
Originally signed by the St. Louis Cardinals as an undrafted free agent out of Wheaton College in Massachusetts in 2020, Raposo faced challenges in his professional career. Despite showing promise, he was unable to advance past the Triple-A level with the Cardinals and was designated for assignment in July before being claimed off waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays.
Statistics and Expectations
In his 2024 season, Raposo played 78 games in Triple-A, garnering a .206 batting average with eight home runs and 33 RBIs. With his potential as an emergency or third-string starting catcher for the Mariners in 2025, Raposo seemed poised for an important role before the team’s acquisition of Blake Hunt from the Baltimore Orioles altered the dynamics.
Catching Depth in Tacoma
The Mariners’ acquisition of Hunt highlighted the need for catching depth in their Triple-A roster. With the possibility of a promotion for catcher Harry Ford from Double-A, Raposo finds himself among a pool of four catchers in Tacoma, alongside Andruw Salcedo, Andrew Miller, and Hunt.
As Raposo navigates this unexpected shift in his baseball journey, the Tacoma Rainiers provide him with a new platform to showcase his skills and contribute to the Mariners’ organizational depth. The unpredictability of the baseball world continues to shape players’ careers, with each twist offering new opportunities for growth and success.
