Mitch Garver's return to the Seattle Mariners on a minor-league deal might seem like a minor move at first glance-just a familiar face providing some veteran depth and spring-training insurance. But dig a little deeper, and it becomes clear that this move reveals more about the Mariners' roster than meets the eye.
By bringing Garver back, Seattle isn't just showing a fondness for a familiar player. It highlights a glaring need: a reliable backup to Cal Raleigh.
Garver's minor-league contract, which could earn him $2.25 million if he makes the major-league roster in 2026, is a low-risk gamble. However, it's also an admission that the Mariners' backup catcher plan relies heavily on a patchwork of replacement-level options, hoping they won't need to test the depth chart too rigorously.
Garver's previous two seasons with Seattle were challenging. In 2024, he hit just .172 with 15 homers and 51 RBIs over 114 games.
He improved slightly in 2025, batting .209, but his overall performance resulted in a .639 OPS across 87 games. While he showed some promise against left-handed pitchers in 2025, his bat didn't deliver the power-hitting catcher/DH performance the Mariners had hoped for.
So, why bring him back? Simply put, the Mariners need bodies in their catching mix.
Each option offers a potential asset that could prove valuable over a long season. Garver has pull-side power, if he can find his timing.
Meanwhile, newcomers Andrew Knizner and Jhonny Pereda are defense-first catchers, prioritizing glove work to maintain stability for the pitching staff.
This setup might work for spring training, but it's not a solid contingency plan if Raleigh were to miss time. The Mariners are one injury away from turning the catcher position into a significant issue.
Game-calling, framing, blocking, and controlling the running game all become more uncertain when the position turns into a revolving door. And that's without considering Raleigh's offensive contributions-he hit 60 home runs last year, and replacing that kind of production is no small task.
This situation also keeps the conversation around Harry Ford alive. The debate wasn't just about giving Ford backup reps; it was about having a reliable option if the position faced challenges. Ford's presence could have provided a safety net, but concerns about stunting his development and wasting valuable reps kept him from filling that role.
Garver's return doesn't upend the Mariners' plans, but it underscores a persistent issue. Seattle still lacks a clear Plan B at catcher, and the front office is trying to address this with quantity rather than certainty.