Mariners Backup Catcher Battle Heats Up Behind Cal Raleigh

Andrew Knizner edges out Mitch Garver for the Mariners' backup catcher job, raising questions about the team's depth at the position.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 10:34pm

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According to reports, the Mariners' latest Opening Day roster projection has Cal Raleigh as the starting catcher, with Andrew Knizner edging out Mitch Garver for the backup role. This comes as a surprise, as Garver had been the primary backup to Raleigh for the past two seasons. However, Garver's offensive struggles and Knizner's guaranteed contract have seemingly tipped the scales in Knizner's favor, despite neither player lighting up the Cactus League this spring.

Why it matters

The Mariners' decision to go with Knizner as the backup catcher highlights the team's confidence in Raleigh as their primary backstop, but also raises questions about their depth at the position. If Raleigh were to miss any significant time, the Mariners may be relying on a player in Knizner who has limited offensive upside, potentially putting pressure on the rest of the lineup.

The details

Knizner, who has seven MLB seasons under his belt, is seen as the safer option behind the plate compared to Garver, who has struggled offensively the past two years. While neither player has stood out this spring, the Mariners appear to value Knizner's defensive experience and his guaranteed $1 million contract over Garver's return on a minor-league deal.

  • The Mariners' latest Opening Day roster projection was released on March 15, 2026.
  • Garver hit .172 with a .627 OPS in 2024 and .209 with a .640 OPS in 2025 before Seattle declined his 2026 option.

The players

Cal Raleigh

The Mariners' starting catcher, who is considered one of the best at his position in baseball.

Andrew Knizner

A seven-year MLB veteran who is projected to win the Mariners' backup catcher job, edging out Mitch Garver.

Mitch Garver

The Mariners' backup catcher for the past two seasons, who has struggled offensively and is now on a minor-league deal.

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What they’re saying

“The argument seems less about the bat and more about the job itself. Historically, Garver would have the leg up offensively despite the poor numbers the last couple of years. But even if you just look at the spring numbers, neither guy is bringing anything offensively to get excited about right now.”

— Daniel Kramer, MLB.com reporter (si.com)

What’s next

The Mariners will need to make a final decision on their Opening Day roster, with the backup catcher job still up for grabs between Knizner and Garver.

The takeaway

The Mariners' decision to go with Knizner as the backup catcher highlights their confidence in Raleigh as their primary backstop, but also raises questions about the team's depth at the position. If Raleigh were to miss time, the Mariners may be relying on a player in Knizner who has limited offensive upside, potentially putting pressure on the rest of the lineup.