The Seattle Mariners have made a big move to bolster their lineup by signing catcher Mitch Garver to a two-year, $24MM contract, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The deal is pending Garver passing a physical and will provide the Mariners with a prominent bat who can serve as both a backup catcher and a regular designated hitter.
While Cal Raleigh remains Seattle’s top backstop, Garver’s offensive prowess will add depth to the Mariners lineup, especially in the DH role. Last season with the Rangers, Garver hit .270/.370/.500 with 19 home runs over 344 plate appearances while primarily acting as a designated hitter. He also played a key role in Texas’ postseason run, hitting .226/.317/.434 with three home runs to help the Rangers secure their first World Series title.
However, an early season knee injury and a history of various health issues have limited Garver’s playing time behind the plate. As a result, he is expected to primarily fill the DH role for the Mariners, allowing him to stay on the field with greater regularity.
The Mariners had been looking to add a power bat to their lineup, with names like Jorge Soler, JD Martinez, and Rhys Hoskins reportedly on their radar. Nonetheless, the addition of Garver is a significant move for Seattle, especially after a difficult offseason that saw the team cutting costs and unloading contracts.
With Garver’s salary factored in, the Mariners’ projected 2024 payroll now sits at around $128.5MM. This leaves the team with some flexibility to pursue further needs, such as acquiring an outfielder or infield help.
The signing of Garver represents a new approach for Seattle’s front office, as General Manager Jerry Dipoto has not frequently made notable splashes in free agency. Remarkably, Garver is only the first position-player free agent, and the fourth free agent overall, that Dipoto has signed to a multi-year contract during his eight-year tenure with the Mariners.
It remains to be seen if the Garver signing will be the extent of Seattle’s notable free agent moves this offseason, as Dipoto could change tactics and look to further bolster the lineup.
Overall, Garver’s addition is a significant move for the Mariners as they look to improve their roster for the upcoming season.