Mitch Garver Re-Signs with Mariners After Teammate's Endorsement

Catcher Mitch Garver returns to Seattle on a minor-league deal after a slow offseason, thanks to the urging of All-Star teammate Cal Raleigh.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:55am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball catcher's gear in overlapping planes of navy, green, and silver, conveying the competitive nature of Garver's return to the Mariners.Garver's return to the Mariners, facilitated by teammate Raleigh, sets up an intriguing spring training battle for the backup catcher job.Seattle Today

Catcher Mitch Garver, who spent the last two seasons as the backup to Mariners star Cal Raleigh, found himself struggling to land a new contract in free agency. But Raleigh stepped in and encouraged Garver to reach out to the Mariners, leading to Garver signing a minor-league deal that could earn him $2.25 million if he makes the major-league roster. While Garver credits Raleigh's friendship and support, he'll still need to compete with newcomer Andrew Knizner for the backup catching job in Spring Training.

Why it matters

Garver's return to the Mariners highlights the importance of player relationships and loyalty in professional sports. Despite being a free agent, Garver's close bond with Raleigh led to an unexpected opportunity to stay in Seattle, where he is familiar with the pitching staff. However, Garver will still need to earn his roster spot, as the Mariners signed Knizner as a potential backup option.

The details

After the Mariners declined Garver's 2026 option, the 31-year-old catcher struggled to find a new team in free agency. But Raleigh, the Mariners' All-Star catcher and Garver's teammate for the past two seasons, urged Garver to reach out to the team. Within 24 hours, Garver had signed a minor-league deal with Seattle that could be worth $2.25 million if he makes the major-league roster. Garver credits Raleigh not just for the opportunity, but for the friendship they've built over the past two years, saying Raleigh is 'a great person' and 'a good friend'.

  • Garver's 2026 option was declined by the Mariners.
  • Garver signed a minor-league contract with the Mariners in early 2026.

The players

Mitch Garver

A 31-year-old catcher who spent the last two seasons as the backup to Mariners star Cal Raleigh.

Cal Raleigh

The Mariners' All-Star catcher and Garver's teammate for the past two seasons, who urged Garver to reach out to the team after Garver struggled to find a new contract in free agency.

Andrew Knizner

A 31-year-old catcher signed by the Mariners in mid-December 2025 to a one-year deal, initially seen as the frontrunner for the backup catching job before Garver re-signed with the team.

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What they’re saying

“It was a painfully slow offseason. I wasn't getting any serious offers. Then Cal called and said, 'Why don't you reach out to the Mariners?' I did, and within 24 hours, we had a deal.”

— Mitch Garver, Catcher

“Being around Cal, supporting him, and giving him the space he needs to thrive—that's what matters. I don't know what this season will bring, but Cal's not just a great player; he's a great person. He's a good friend.”

— Mitch Garver, Catcher

What’s next

Garver will need to compete with Andrew Knizner during Spring Training to secure the backup catcher role with the Mariners.

The takeaway

Garver's return to the Mariners showcases the power of player relationships and loyalty in professional sports. Despite being a free agent, Garver's close bond with teammate Cal Raleigh led to an unexpected opportunity to stay in Seattle, where he is familiar with the pitching staff. However, Garver will still need to earn his roster spot, as the Mariners signed Knizner as a potential backup option.