Mariners Secure Late Holiday Gift with Mitch Garver Signing

As the holiday season unfolds, the Seattle Mariners pulled off a last-minute surprise for fans, agreeing to a two-year, $24 million deal with veteran free agent Mitch Garver. Multiple sources revealed the news to MLB.com on Sunday, adding a touch of excitement to the baseball community. While the club has yet to confirm the deal officially, pending a physical scheduled after the holidays, the agreement is expected to be finalized in the new year.

A Promising Addition to the Roster

Garver, who is set to celebrate his 33rd birthday on January 15, represents the Mariners' first significant addition to the roster in an offseason marked by notable turnover. The front office's directive to prioritize a more contact-oriented offense has guided their moves, and the need to free up funds underscored the importance of strategic player acquisitions.

A Versatile Presence

A right-handed batter with a background primarily as a catcher, Garver faced injury challenges early in his career. However, the Mariners envision him as their primary designated hitter moving forward, with the added flexibility to serve as a backup to Cal Raleigh behind the plate. Despite his limited time at catcher in 2023, Garver's defensive performance graded poorly, signaling a need for improvement in that aspect of his game.

Strengthening the Catching Corps

Seattle's efforts to fortify their catching corps also involved acquiring Seby Sevala from the Arizona Diamondbacks in a trade that sent Eugenio Suárez to the D-backs last month. Additionally, a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays for Minor Leaguer Blake Hunt on November 6 aims to enhance their depth at the position for the upcoming 2024 season. The recent departure of veteran Tom Murphy, who agreed to a two-year, $8.25 million deal with the San Francisco Giants, further emphasized the Mariners' commitment to reshaping their roster.

A Mix of Power and Resilience

In the 2023 season, Garver played a similar role for the World Series champion Texas Rangers, serving as a backup to All-Star Jonah Heim at catcher while exclusively handling the designated hitter duties during the club's playoff run. His performance in the Fall Classic included a crucial go-ahead single in Game 5. In the regular season, Garver displayed his offensive prowess, slashing .270/.370/.500 (.870 OPS) with 19 home runs across 87 games.

However, Garver's journey has been marked by injury setbacks, including a left knee sprain that sidelined him for nearly two months after Opening Day and a season-ending right forearm flexor tendon surgery in July 2022. With a career-high of 102 games played in 2018, Garver's durability poses some risk, but the Mariners seem willing to take on the challenge.

A Disciplined Approach at the Plate

Despite a career strikeout rate of 25.6%, which might be considered high for a team aiming to reduce strikeouts, Garver's disciplined approach at the plate is evident in his low 17.4% chase rate last year, ranking in the 98th percentile according to Statcast. His 12.8% walk rate further demonstrates his keen eye, placing him in the 90th percentile.

A Landmark Deal for Garver and the Mariners

The Mariners' agreement with Garver marks a significant financial leap for the veteran player, representing a substantial increase from the $3.9 million he earned last year and the $10,232,500 accumulated over his career. Notably, this deal stands out as the first multiyear contract for a free-agent hitter under the tenure of President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto, who arrived in the 2015-16 offseason.

Looking Ahead to Further Moves

With the Garver deal in place, the Mariners find themselves with the financial flexibility to pursue one or two more offensive additions. While this acquisition likely takes them out of the running for sluggers Jorge Soler and J.D. Martinez, the team still has notable needs in the corner outfield, leaving room for further strategic moves with a current payroll of around $130 million. As the new year approaches, Mariners fans can look forward to an exciting season with a revamped roster, spearheaded by the late but impactful addition of Mitch Garver.