Mariners Offseason Moves Spark Reunion, Prospect Versatility, and Comeback Hopes

Catcher Mitch Garver returns on minor league deal, top prospect Michael Arroyo explores new positions, and pitcher Bryce Miller looks to rebound from injury.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:00am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, forest green, and crimson red, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.The Mariners' offseason moves aim to build a well-rounded roster through strategic signings, prospect development, and injury comebacks.Seattle Today

The Seattle Mariners' offseason has been filled with strategic moves, including the reunion of veteran catcher Mitch Garver, the versatility experiment with top prospect Michael Arroyo, and the comeback hopes for pitcher Bryce Miller after an injury-plagued 2025 season.

Why it matters

These storylines will be crucial for the Mariners as they gear up for the 2026 season, as Garver's experience, Arroyo's development, and Miller's health could all play pivotal roles in the team's success.

The details

After declining Mitch Garver's $12 million mutual option last fall, the Mariners watched as the veteran catcher navigated a slow free agency market. It was Garver's fellow catcher, Cal Raleigh, who suggested he call the Mariners, leading to Garver re-signing on a minor league deal within 24 hours. Garver's return adds depth to the Mariners' catching corps, with Raleigh likely to split time between catcher and DH. Top prospect Michael Arroyo, who represented Colombia in the World Baseball Classic, will get reps at third base and left field this season to increase his versatility, despite his solid defensive reputation as a second baseman. Lastly, pitcher Bryce Miller is looking to bounce back after an injury-marred 2025 season, avoiding surgery for bone spurs in his elbow and adding 15 pounds of muscle this offseason.

  • Garver accepted a $1 million buyout after the Mariners declined his $12 million mutual option last fall.
  • Garver re-signed with the Mariners on a minor league deal within 24 hours of Raleigh's suggestion.
  • Arroyo will get reps at third base and left field this season, despite his primary position being second base.
  • Miller finished the 2025 season strong with a 2.51 ERA during the postseason.
  • Miller added 15 pounds of muscle this offseason and is already hitting 98 mph in live batting practice.

The players

Mitch Garver

A veteran catcher who re-signed with the Mariners on a minor league deal after a surprisingly slow free agency market.

Cal Raleigh

The Mariners' catcher who played a pivotal role in bringing Garver back to Seattle by suggesting he call the team.

Michael Arroyo

A top Mariners prospect who will get reps at third base and left field this season to increase his versatility.

Bryce Miller

A Mariners pitcher who is looking to bounce back after an injury-marred 2025 season, avoiding surgery and adding 15 pounds of muscle this offseason.

Andrew Knizner

A catcher also in the mix for the Mariners' catching corps.

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What they’re saying

“Maybe you should try calling the Mariners”

— Cal Raleigh, Mariners Catcher

“I never really got any good offers or formal offers”

— Mitch Garver, Mariners Catcher

What’s next

The Mariners will monitor Garver's performance in spring training and determine if he can provide valuable depth behind Raleigh. Arroyo's versatility experiments will continue throughout the season as the team evaluates his long-term fit. And Miller will look to stay healthy and return to his 2024 form, when he was one of the Mariners' most reliable starters.

The takeaway

The Mariners' offseason moves, including the reunion with Garver, the versatility experiment with Arroyo, and the comeback hopes for Miller, demonstrate the team's strategic approach to building a well-rounded roster and developing their top prospects. These storylines will be crucial to the Mariners' success in 2026 and beyond.