Height
6'1"
Weight
220 lbs
Age
35
College
New Mexico
Draft
2013, Rd 9, #260
Experience
9 yrs
Bats/Throws
R/R
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsB+
| Year | Team | GP | AVG | HR | RBI | OPS | SB | H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Current Contract
Length
1 year
Total Value
$2.3M
Guaranteed
$1.4M
AAV
$2.3M/yr
Contract Value Index (CVI)
Mitch Garver's one-year, $2.25M deal with the Mariners earns a B- CVI, representing solid value for a veteran backup catcher who successfully won the competition against Andrew Knizner. At 35 years old, Garver brings nine years of MLB experience to a backup role where his established veteran status provides organizational stability, even if his contributions remain modest rather than impactful. The contract represents reasonable market value for a serviceable backstop who can handle the defensive responsibilities without creating drama, though his declining offensive numbers suggest the Mariners aren't paying for production beyond competent depth. His 2019 Silver Slugger award demonstrates past offensive capability, but the current media framing correctly positions him as a depth piece rather than someone expected to move the needle significantly. The one-year term eliminates long-term risk while giving Seattle a professional veteran presence behind the plate, making this a sensible organizational move even if it lacks upside potential. For a backup catcher entering his mid-30s, this deal reflects appropriate market positioning where both sides managed expectations appropriately.
Fan & Media Sentiment
The Seattle media and fanbase view Mitch Garver with tepid acceptance rather than genuine enthusiasm, treating him as a serviceable backup who won a modest competition against Andrew Knizner but isn't moving any needles. His nine-year veteran pedigree earns him basic respect around the organization, and the absence of negative headlines suggests he's handling his reduced role professionally without creating clubhouse drama or embarrassing moments behind the plate. However, this mild positivity stems more from low expectations than actual impact — fans recognize he's a competent depth piece but aren't exactly celebrating his presence on the roster. The sentiment disconnect becomes clear when you consider his underwhelming on-field production, where his defensive limitations and declining offensive numbers paint a picture of a player whose veteran status is masking replacement-level contributions. For Garver to shift the narrative in his favor, he'd need to either provide unexpected offensive pop in limited opportunities or demonstrate that his veteran leadership is genuinely elevating younger players around him. Right now, public opinion sits in that lukewarm middle ground where he's viewed as an adequate organizational soldier rather than someone fans are particularly invested in seeing succeed.
Recent Games
| Date | OPP | Result | AB | H | R | HR | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed, 4/8 | @ TEX | L 0-3 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Sun, 4/5 | @ LAA | L 7-8 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
Transaction History
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