Report: Mariners to bring back Mitch Garver on minor league deal

The Seattle Mariners’ roster could include a familiar face backing up Cal Raleigh at catcher on opening day, as veteran Mitch Garver has reportedly agreed to a minor league contract with the team, per ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan.

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Garver, who turned 35 last month, played the 2024 and 2025 seasons with the Mariners after signing a two-year, $24 million contract. Though he initially joined the M’s to be their primary designated hitter, the one-time Silver Slugger struggled at the plate in ’24 and became Seattle’s primary backup catcher by the end of that season.

Last year, Garver hit .209 with nine home runs and a .639 OPS in 87 games. The right-handed hitter was a solid option against left-handed pitching, though, hitting .233 with a .718 OPS vs. southpaws. He was also better on the road, where he hit .245 with a .730 OPS.

Garver appeared in six games for the Mariners in the playoffs in 2025, going 2 for 7 with a triple.

The Mariners have Andrew Knizner and Jhonny Pereda competing for the backup catcher role on their 40-man roster in spring training. Seattle also has six catchers as non-roster invitees this spring, including two that have MLB experience: Brian O’Keefe and Jakson Reetz.

Garver, who won a World Series title with the Texas Rangers in 2023, hit a career-high 31 home runs for the Minnesota Twins in 2019.

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