Mariners Backup Catcher Mitch Garver Expected to Break Camp

Veteran catcher Mitch Garver set to serve as backup to All-Star Cal Raleigh in 2026 season

Mar. 22, 2026 at 9:40pm

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The Seattle Mariners are expected to finalize their 2026 roster this week, with veteran catcher Mitch Garver poised to break camp as the backup to starting catcher Cal Raleigh. Garver, who has spent the last two seasons with the Mariners, will earn $2.25 million this year as he provides depth and experience behind the team's young All-Star backstop.

Why it matters

The Mariners came close to reaching the World Series in 2025 and are aiming to take the next step in 2026. Ensuring they have a reliable backup catcher to spell Raleigh and provide veteran leadership is an important part of their roster construction as they look to make a deep playoff run.

The details

Garver, 31, has hit .187 with 24 home runs and 81 RBIs over his two seasons in Seattle so far. While those numbers pale in comparison to Raleigh's breakout 2025 campaign, the Mariners value Garver's experience and trust him to step in capably if needed. The team re-signed Garver to a minor league deal this offseason, and he'll now earn a $2.25 million salary to serve as Raleigh's understudy.

  • The Mariners are expected to finalize their 2026 roster by Wednesday, March 27th.

The players

Mitch Garver

A 31-year-old catcher who has spent the last two seasons with the Seattle Mariners, providing depth and veteran experience behind starting catcher Cal Raleigh.

Cal Raleigh

The Mariners' starting catcher, an All-Star in 2025 who is expected to be the team's primary backstop again in 2026 as they aim to reach the World Series.

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What they’re saying

“Mitch Garver is expected to break camp as the Mariners' backup catcher, though the club isn't expected to finalize its roster until Wednesday.”

— Daniel Kramer, MLB.com reporter

What’s next

The Mariners will finalize their 2026 roster by Wednesday, March 27th, at which point Garver's role as Raleigh's backup will be officially confirmed.

The takeaway

The Mariners' decision to retain Mitch Garver as their backup catcher demonstrates the team's commitment to building a well-rounded roster capable of making a deep playoff run in 2026. While Raleigh is the clear starter, Garver's veteran presence and experience will provide valuable insurance and depth at a crucial position.