The Mariners' decision to bring Mitch Garver back on a minor league deal last month had fans scratching their heads. Many assumed he wouldn't make the Opening Day roster, but things might not be as clear-cut.
Garver's performance this spring hasn't been stellar-he's gone 2-for-19 with 10 strikeouts. Yet, there's a twist: George Kirby, one of the Mariners' promising pitchers, has a strong preference for pitching to Garver.
Kirby used a PitchCom device recently to streamline his pitch selection against the Reds. Mariners manager Dan Wilson, however, suggests that Kirby doesn't need the device as much when Garver is catching. The chemistry between Kirby and Garver is evident, and despite Garver's struggles over the past two seasons, he's caught 17 of Kirby's 56 starts.
The numbers back up this connection. Kirby's strikeout-to-walk ratio is a remarkable 11.0 when Garver is behind the plate, compared to 4.00 with Cal Raleigh. This stat alone makes the idea of Garver as Kirby's personal catcher more plausible.
There's potential for tension with Raleigh, especially since pitch-calling is traditionally the catcher's domain. Raleigh is known for his assertive style, so Kirby's use of the PitchCom could stir the pot.
Meanwhile, Garver's competition for the backup catcher spot hasn't impressed this spring. Andrew Knizner is hitting 3-for-24 with no RBIs, and Jhonny Pereda is 3-for-20, also without RBIs. Despite Garver's recent struggles, his .632 OPS over the past two seasons still tops Knizner's .490.
Garver's future with the Mariners will soon be clear. With six years of service time and a contract stipulation allowing him to opt out on Mar. 21 if not on the 26-man roster, the team must decide quickly. Kirby's preference for Garver could be a deciding factor in shaping the roster.