Breaking Down the Contract
The Seattle Mariners have re-signed backup catcher Mitch Garver to a minor league contract worth $2.25 million. Provided he makes the 26-man Major League roster at any point in 2026, with an invite to spring training included. Garver is coming off a two-year contract with the M’s primarily as their back-up catcher/DH. He should get a lot of exposure during spring training with Mariners starter Cal Raleigh playing for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.
A Battle Behind the Plate
There will now be a three-way battle for the backup catcher position. With the Mariners additionally signing Andrew Knizner and Jhonny Pereda this past offseason. Knizner and Pereda are already on the 40-man roster, with Knizner out of minor league options. Making him a strong candidate for the primary backup role. Knizner was signed on a one-year deal worth $1 million guaranteed.
He comes from San Francisco, where he got just 88 plate appearances last season, hitting .221, with a .598 OPS. Pereda, on the other hand, was traded this offseason from Minnesota for cash considerations and is still pre-arbitration. Last season, Pereda had 78 plate appearances, hitting .246 with a .658 OPS. With all three catchers on limited contracts, it will be interesting to see how this plays out, with offensive and defensive factors to think about. As well as who can manage the pitchers when filling in on Raleigh’s off days.
Garver’s Challenges and Expectations
Garver was hoped to be the DH the Mariners were looking for when they signed him in 2024. Coming off a World Series win with the Texas Rangers. But over two years, he struggled at the plate, hitting .187, .631 OPS, with 24 home runs and 81 RBIs. Although he wasn’t exactly what the Mariners were looking for on the offensive side, Garver has gotten great experience and become familiar with this young and talented Mariners pitching staff, which is something Knizner and Pereda do not have. It was a quiet free agency for Garver. It only makes sense that the Mariners bring him back. Especially after trading young prospect Harry Ford this offseason to the Washington Nationals for reliever Jose Ferrer.
Why This Move Makes Sense
Seattle needs depth at the catcher position. The difference, however, between this season and last is the plate appearances. Last season, almost half of Garver’s at-bats came from the DH role. But now they have a four-man mix in right field/DH with Victor Robles, Dominic Canzone, Rob Refsnyder, and Luke Raley, two being left-handed bats and the others right-handed.
With Seattle being known for their platoon lineups, it is expected to rotate those four players at DH, so this contract will most likely be solely as a backup catcher. Garver brings a great veteran presence to this clubhouse that could be very beneficial to this team with new faces and young players expected to be a part of the club this season. With the Mariners trying to get back to the ALCS, he could be a great factor on this roster off the field with his experience, teaching the new catchers, or on the field as a reliable glove behind the plate.
Main Photo Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images