Mariners, Catcher Mitch Garver Finalizing Minor League Deal

35-year-old veteran expected to compete for backup role behind All-Star Cal Raleigh

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Seattle Mariners and veteran catcher Mitch Garver are finalizing a minor league contract, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The 35-year-old Garver is expected to compete with Andrew Knizner and Jhonny Pereda for the backup catcher role behind All-Star Cal Raleigh, who finished runner-up for the AL MVP award last season.

Why it matters

The Mariners are looking to solidify their catching depth behind the emerging star Raleigh, who had a breakout 2025 campaign. Garver, a former Silver Slugger award winner, brings valuable experience and power potential to the competition for the backup job.

The details

Garver spent the last two seasons as Raleigh's backup in Seattle, though he initially signed with the team to serve as the primary designated hitter. Across those two seasons, Garver has batted .187 with 24 home runs, 81 RBIs and a .632 OPS in 201 games. The veteran catcher is a .233 career hitter with 106 home runs and 309 RBIs in nine major league seasons, including a career-high 31 homers with the Minnesota Twins in 2019.

  • The deal is expected to be finalized in the coming days, pending a physical.

The players

Mitch Garver

A 35-year-old veteran catcher who has spent the last two seasons as the backup to Seattle's All-Star catcher Cal Raleigh.

Cal Raleigh

The Seattle Mariners' starting catcher, who finished runner-up for the AL MVP award in 2025.

Andrew Knizner

A catcher who will compete with Garver and Jhonny Pereda for the backup role behind Raleigh.

Jhonny Pereda

A catcher who will compete with Garver and Knizner for the backup role behind Raleigh.

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What’s next

The Mariners will officially announce the minor league deal with Garver once it is finalized and he passes his physical.

The takeaway

The Mariners are bolstering their catching depth by bringing in the veteran Garver to compete for the backup job behind their rising star Raleigh, as they look to build on their success from last season and make a deep playoff run.