Mitch Garver back on minor league contract

[bileever]

Mariners bring back Garver to compete for backup catcher job.

https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/mariners/mariners-bring-back-mitch-garver-to-compete-for-backup-catcher-spot/

No guarantees, just a minor league deal. A big fall from his $24 million deal.

 

[bileever]

Previous article may be behind a paywall, so here's another link:

Mariners, Mitch Garver Agree To Minor League Deal

The Mariners add some catching depth by bringing back a familiar face.

www.mlbtraderumors.com

 

[SoulfishHawk]

I doubt he makes the team, but on the cheap, they certainly could do a lot worse in a backup.

 

[sutz]

I don't hate the move. But he has a tough row to hoe to make the team, I think.

 

[hawkfan68]

No team wants Mitch Garver so he has to sign a minor league contract.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

Dude has had a pretty successful career and is a WS Champion. His teammates clearly like the guy. More power to him if he wants to keep going.

 

[Steve Hawk]

If he starts hitting I am ok with him on the big league club, otherwise the minors is fine.

 

[bileever]

Mitch Garver is going to be 35 this year, so I really doubt he is going to start hitting like he did pre-2024. But you never know, sometimes the pressure of a big contract messes with your head. He might do better playing for the veteran minimum.

 

[bileever]

Turn out Cal Raleigh was instrumental in bringing Garver back. Garver is respected and well-liked in the clubhouse and if Cal wants this to happen, I'm okay with it.

I still don't think Garver makes the team, but if he's willing to be an insurance policy playing down in Tacoma, that's not a bad thing.

No guarantee that Knizner beats out Garver. He's got a pretty weak bat and he's an average defensive catcher at best, considered below average in framing.

 

[sutz]

No guarantee that Knizner beats out Garver. He's got a pretty weak bat and he's an average defensive catcher at best, considered below average in framing.

Which are not primary concerns for a back up catcher.

 

[bileever]

Which are not primary concerns for a back up catcher.

I would say that they need a solid backup catcher so that Cal can DH more and not get so beat up during the regular season. And to do that, you need someone who is competent enough defensively so that pitchers won't mind throwing to them. Not sure Knizner is that guy.

 

[sutz]

I would say that they need a solid backup catcher so that Cal can DH more and not get so beat up during the regular season. And to do that, you need someone who is competent enough defensively so that pitchers won't mind throwing to them. Not sure Knizner is that guy.

That's what spring training is for. Garver knows the pitchers, for sure. Knizner is a vet. Let's see what shakes out.