Blake Hunt

Blake Hunt
Seattle Mariners
Catcher
Born: (1998-11-10) November 10, 1998 (age 26) Costa Mesa, California, U.S.
Bats: Right Throws: Right

Blake Evan Hunt (born November 10, 1998) is an American professional baseball catcher for the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball (MLB). He is currently a phantom ballplayer, having spent a day on the active roster of the Baltimore Orioles without making an appearance.

Career

Amateur

Hunt attended Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California, where he batted .394 with six home runs, 28 RBI, and nine doubles as a senior in 2017.[1]

San Diego Padres

Hunt was selected by the San Diego Padres in the second round of the 2017 Major League Baseball draft.[2][3] He signed for $1.6 million, forgoing his commitment to play college baseball for the Pepperdine Waves baseball team.[4]

Hunt made his professional debut with the Arizona League Padres, batting .241 over thirty games. He spent the 2018 season with the Tri-City Dust Devils where he hit .271 with three home runs and 25 RBI over 56 games, and he played 2019 with the Fort Wayne TinCaps, slashing .255/.331/.381 with five home runs and 39 RBIs over 89 games.[5] He did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[6]

Tampa Bay Rays

On December 29, 2020, the Padres traded Hunt, Francisco Mejía, Luis Patiño, and Cole Wilcox to the Tampa Bay Rays for Blake Snell.[7] He split the 2021 season between the Bowling Green Hot Rods and the Montgomery Biscuits, slashing .205/.288/.375 with nine home runs and 48 RBI in 76 games.

In 67 games split between Double–A Montgomery and the Triple–A Durham Bulls in 2023, Hunt hit a combined .256/.331/.484 with 12 home runs and 41 RBI.

Seattle Mariners

On November 6, 2023, Hunt was traded to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for Tatem Levins; he was subsequently added to Seattle's 40-man roster following the trade.[8] Hunt was optioned to the Triple–A Tacoma Rainiers to begin the 2024 season.[9] In 23 games for Tacoma, he batted .293/.372/.533 with four home runs and 20 RBI.

Baltimore Orioles

On May 22, 2024, Hunt was traded to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for Mike Baumann and Michael Pérez.[10] On July 30, Hunt was promoted to the major leagues for the first time.[11] He did not make an appearance and was optioned back to the Triple–A Norfolk Tides the next day, becoming a phantom ballplayer.[12] In 42 games for the Tides, Hunt batted .179/.219/.278 with three home runs, seven RBI, and one stolen base. He was designated for assignment following the signing of Andrew Kittredge on January 13, 2025.[13]

Seattle Mariners (second stint)

On January 15, 2025, Hunt was traded to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for cash considerations.[14]

References

1. "In the Hunt: San Diego Padres give Blake his shot". Los Angeles Times. June 16, 2017.
2. "Padres top prospects: No. 25 Blake Hunt". San Diego Union-Tribune. March 25, 2020. Retrieved December 29, 2020.
3. "In the Hunt: San Diego Padres give Blake his shot". Daily Pilot. June 16, 2017. Retrieved December 29, 2020.
4. "Padres top prospects: No. 25 Blake Hunt". March 25, 2020.
5. "Padres get big win in Blake Snell trade: Jim Bowden hands out grades".
6. "2020 Minor League Baseball season canceled". MLB.com.
7. "Padres' blockbuster trade for Snell official". MLB.com. Retrieved December 29, 2020.
8. "Mariners' Blake Hunt: Moved to Seattle". cbssports.com. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
9. "Mariners' Blake Hunt: Optioned to minors". cbssports.com. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
10. "Mariners Acquire Mike Baumann". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
11. "Orioles Designate Cole Irvin For Assignment". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved July 30, 2024.
12. "Orioles' Blake Hunt: Demoted, but with taxi squad". CBS Sports. July 31, 2024. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
13. "Orioles agree to terms with right-handed pitcher Andrew Kittredge". mlb.com. Retrieved January 13, 2025.
14. "Mariners Acquire Blake Hunt, Designate Samad Taylor For Assignment". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved January 15, 2025.

External links

• Career statistics from Baseball Reference (Minors)