Seattle, Washington – The Seattle Mariners have bolstered their catcher depth by re-signing veteran Mitch Garver to a minor league deal, , February . The move provides experienced insurance behind starter Cal Raleigh, who finished as the American League MVP runner-up in .
Garver, years old, returns to Seattle after spending the previous two seasons with the club. He initially signed a two-year contract prior to the season, but the Mariners declined a mutual option following the campaign. This new agreement is non-guaranteed and allows the Mariners to retain a proven player at a critical position without immediate financial commitment or a strain on their roster.
The timing of the signing is particularly noteworthy given Raleigh’s anticipated participation in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Having a reliable and experienced backup catcher becomes paramount during international competitions and spring training, ensuring continuity and stability within the pitching staff.
Garver’s familiarity with the Mariners’ pitching staff is a significant benefit. He previously developed strong working relationships with pitchers Andres Munoz and George Kirby, who have both publicly praised his game-calling ability, preparation, and communication skills. This existing rapport could expedite his integration back into the team and contribute to a smoother transition for pitchers when Raleigh is unavailable.
The Mariners’ catching depth chart now includes Garver, Andrew Knizner, and Jhonny Pereda. Knizner is out of minor league options, which adds a layer of complexity to the decision-making process for the Opening Day roster. Pereda, while already on the -man roster, has limited major league experience. The competition for the backup role is expected to be closely contested throughout spring training.
Despite a batting average of . over his two seasons in Seattle, Garver has demonstrated power, hitting home runs and driving in runs in games. His career statistics reveal a . batting average with home runs and RBIs across nine major league seasons. He was a Silver Slugger award winner in .
The Mariners’ decision to bring back Garver reflects a pragmatic approach to roster construction, prioritizing depth and experience, particularly after a near-miss in the American League Championship Series. The team’s loss to the Toronto Blue Jays highlighted the importance of having reliable players available at all positions, and the catcher position is considered particularly crucial due to its impact on pitching performance and game management.
Garver’s resume includes a World Series championship with the Texas Rangers in and a career-high home runs with the Minnesota Twins in . This championship experience and proven offensive capabilities could prove valuable to a Mariners team aiming to contend for a championship.
The Mariners begin Cactus League play against the San Diego Padres. Garver is expected to report to camp immediately and undergo a physical examination on . His performance in spring training will be critical in determining his role on the team, with the potential to serve as a valuable backup to Raleigh or, if he excels, potentially challenging for more playing time.
The agreement, as reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, does not require an immediate -man roster move, providing the Mariners with flexibility as they continue to evaluate their roster options heading into the season.
