The Philadelphia Phillies took a low-risk but strategically meaningful step on Friday as they worked to strengthen their catching depth, reaching an agreement on a minor league contract with veteran backstop Mark Kolozsvary. The deal includes an invitation to major league spring training, giving the 30-year-old an opportunity to compete for a role while also providing the organization with much-needed depth at a position that currently lacks clarity beyond All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto, who remains a free agent.
While the signing may not grab headlines, it reflects a calculated move by the Phillies’ front office as they navigate uncertainty behind the plate. Kolozsvary, though limited in major league exposure, brings professional experience, defensive reliability, and roster flexibility—qualities that are particularly valuable given Philadelphia’s current catching situation.
A Veteran With a Measured Major League Resume
Kolozsvary has appeared in 11 major league games, a modest total that nevertheless offers insight into his readiness and familiarity with baseball’s highest level. He originally entered professional baseball as a seventh-round selection by the Cincinnati Reds in the 2017 MLB Draft, beginning a career that has been defined by steady development, adaptability, and a defense-first profile.
His major league debut came during the 2022 season with Cincinnati, when injuries and roster needs created an opening. That year, Kolozsvary appeared in 10 games, logging 21 plate appearances and finishing with a .200 batting average, one home run, and three runs batted in. While the offensive sample size was small, he delivered a few memorable moments.
Kolozsvary recorded his first major league hit and RBI on a double off San Diego Padres pitcher Nick Martinez, a milestone that marked his arrival at the big-league level. Later that season, he added another personal achievement by launching his first career home run against St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Junior Fernandez. Though his offensive contributions were limited overall, those moments highlighted his ability to compete when called upon.
Journeyman Path Through Multiple Organizations
After the 2022 campaign concluded, Kolozsvary’s career took a familiar turn for many depth catchers: movement between organizations in search of opportunity. He was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles, joining a system known for valuing defensive catchers and pitching development.
His time in Baltimore resulted in just one major league appearance, which came in June 2023 when he entered a game as a late-inning defensive replacement. While his big-league opportunities were sparse, he spent the majority of the season at Triple-A Norfolk, where he continued to fill an important depth role.
In 20 games with the Norfolk Tides, Kolozsvary posted a .162/.250/.265 slash line, contributing two home runs and seven RBIs. While the offensive numbers were below league average, his role extended beyond the batter’s box. Catchers at the Triple-A level are often tasked with guiding developing pitchers, managing game plans, and providing leadership—areas where Kolozsvary has consistently earned positive evaluations.
Rather than accept an outright assignment later that season, Kolozsvary elected free agency on June 16, signaling his desire to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Brief Stop in Minnesota
That search did not take long. Just four days later, Kolozsvary signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins, adding another organization to his résumé. Assigned to Triple-A St. Paul, he appeared in six games, delivering a modest offensive uptick by batting .214 while adding one home run and four RBIs.
Though his time in Minnesota was brief, it reinforced his reputation as a reliable organizational catcher—someone capable of stepping in, learning a pitching staff quickly, and contributing both on and off the field. At season’s end, Kolozsvary once again chose free agency, keeping his options open.
Productive Stretch With the Red Sox Organization
Kolozsvary found his next opportunity with the Boston Red Sox, who signed him to a minor league deal on December 22, 2023. His tenure in the Red Sox system proved to be one of the more productive stretches of his career, particularly at the plate.
Over the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Kolozsvary split time primarily between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester. Across 30 games, he combined for a strong .253/.336/.495 slash line, adding five home runs and 17 RBIs. Those numbers represented a notable improvement offensively and demonstrated his ability to contribute when healthy.
Unfortunately, his momentum was halted in June 2025, when he was placed on the full-season injured list. The injury limited his playing time and ultimately played a role in his return to the free-agent market at the conclusion of the season.
Defense First, Experience Always
Throughout his career, Kolozsvary has been defined less by his bat and more by his defensive dependability. His strengths include pitch framing, game management, blocking ability, and communication with pitchers—traits that organizations value highly, even if they don’t always show up in box scores.
While he is unlikely to be mistaken for an offensive threat, his reputation as a steady presence behind the plate has allowed him to remain in demand across multiple organizations. For teams focused on developing young arms or maintaining depth, a catcher like Kolozsvary serves an essential purpose.
Why the Signing Matters for Philadelphia
The Phillies’ decision to bring in Kolozsvary becomes particularly significant when viewed through the lens of their current roster dynamics. With J.T. Realmuto still unsigned, the organization lacks certainty at the top of the catching depth chart. Meanwhile, both Rafael Marchan and Garrett Stubbs are out of minor league options, limiting Philadelphia’s flexibility.
Kolozsvary, by contrast, has two minor league options remaining, giving the Phillies a valuable roster tool. That flexibility allows the team to stash him at Triple-A Lehigh Valley without risking losing him on waivers, while still keeping him available should an injury or roster shakeup occur.
Although Marchan and Stubbs are both under guaranteed contracts through the 2026 season, neither carries a significant financial commitment. That reality leaves the door open—however slightly—for Kolozsvary to emerge as a preferred depth option if circumstances change during spring training or the regular season.
Realistic Expectations and Organizational Value
It is important to temper expectations. Kolozsvary is not projected to be a regular major league contributor in the upcoming season. Instead, his value lies in preparedness, professionalism, and insurance. He offers the Phillies a catcher who can step into action if needed, help guide pitchers at the Triple-A level, and contribute during spring training.
At Lehigh Valley, he is expected to play a key role in working with developing arms, maintaining defensive stability, and ensuring the organization is not caught short at a demanding position. In an era where catching depth is increasingly difficult to maintain, that role should not be understated.
A Smart, Low-Risk Addition
Ultimately, the Phillies’ signing of Mark Kolozsvary represents a practical, low-risk move designed to reinforce an area of uncertainty. While the transaction may not draw national attention, it reflects thoughtful roster construction and an understanding of the grind of a long season.
For Kolozsvary, the deal offers another opportunity to continue his career, showcase his defensive strengths, and remain prepared should the call come. For Philadelphia, it provides peace of mind—a veteran catcher ready to step in when needed, quietly supporting the organization’s broader goals.
In baseball, championships are often influenced not just by stars, but by the depth pieces who stabilize rosters behind the scenes. In that sense, Mark Kolozsvary fits the profile of exactly the kind of addition that can matter over the course of a long and unpredictable season.
