The Seattle Mariners have been making moves during the off-season to strengthen their chances of becoming a playoff contender. One of their recent acquisitions is catcher Mitch Garver, who signed a two-year, $24 million contract with the team. This signing comes after a series of trades that saw the Mariners part ways with some key players from their major league roster.
Garver showcased his skills during the World Series when he played for the Texas Rangers. Despite being in a part-time role, he made a significant impact with his bat. In just 344 plate appearances split between catcher and designated hitter, Garver maintained impressive statistics, hitting .270 with 19 home runs and 50 RBIs. His performance played a crucial role in the Rangers’ path to winning the championship.
With the Mariners, Garver is expected to serve as the backup to starting catcher Cal Raleigh while also getting the majority of his at-bats as a designated hitter. This addition will provide the team with a powerful bat, as Garver’s expected weighted on base is ranked among the top percentile of all hitters from last year. While he may not be the star player that the Mariners were hoping for, Garver fills a need for the team and represents a solid first move in their quest for success.
During the playoffs, Garver proved himself to be an asset to his team. In the American League Division Series against the Baltimore Orioles, Garver was brought into the mix by manager Bruce Bochy for Game 2. He made an immediate impact by hitting a grand slam and driving in five runs. In the subsequent AL Championship Series Game 6 victory over the Houston Astros, Garver once again showcased his hitting abilities with three hits, including a home run. He also contributed with a hit and a run scored in Game 7. Garver’s contributions extended to the World Series, where he hit a home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Garver, who will turn 33 in January, has spent seven years in the majors, including five seasons with the Minnesota Twins before being traded to the Texas Rangers. In 2019, he was a key part of the Twins lineup that set a single-season record with 307 home runs. Garver himself had an impressive season, hitting 31 home runs in just 359 plate appearances, which led to him receiving a Silver Slugger Award. However, since joining the Rangers, Garver has primarily been a backup and has seen limited playing time as a catcher.
A Dynamic Catcher and DH
During the 2022 season, Garver caught only 14 games, followed by 28 games in 2023. He also had one appearance at first base. With the Mariners, he is expected to take on a similar role, mainly serving as a designated hitter while occasionally taking the field as a catcher. This versatility makes Garver a valuable asset for the team, as he can provide much-needed rest for Raleigh without compromising the team’s offensive production.
The addition of Mitch Garver to the Seattle Mariners’ roster brings a powerful bat and valuable experience to the team. While he may not be the star player the Mariners were initially pursuing, he fills a need and represents a solid move towards building a playoff contender. With Garver’s ability to contribute in crucial moments and his versatility as a catcher and designated hitter, he is poised to make a significant impact for the Mariners in the upcoming season.
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