Mariners sign C Mitch Garver

Mitch Garver's one-year, $2.25M signing earns a C+ Contract Value Index (CVI)—a modest deal that reflects his niche utility value in a regular-season stretch where Seattle sits at 36-33 and still hunting playoff positioning. At the catching position, Garver projects as a depth piece with some proven big-league experience rather than a franchise cornerstone; his floor is a reserve role, his ceiling a semi-regular in a platooning situation. The $2.25M AAV is well below market-rate for any starting-caliber catcher, which makes sense given the short, low-commitment structure—this is exactly the kind of understated one-year deal teams deploy when they need roster depth without cap entanglement heading into a potential stretch run. The value equation hinges entirely on availability and pitch-framing reliability rather than offensive production; if Garver stays healthy and provides league-average performance behind the plate, the Mariners get a functional backup at a bargain price. The CVI reflects a solid-starter floor with real downside risk if injury limits availability or if offensive regression accelerates—neither outcome would surprise, but the contract's brevity and modest commitment protect Seattle from overpaying for that risk. For a team in the hunt with 108 days left in the regular season, this is efficient depth acquisition without premium-dollar outlay.