Monday, December 25, 2023

Mariners Sign Veteran Catcher

Though not official until after the
holiday it was announced  the
Mariners have signed veteran 
catcher  Mitch Garver to a two-year
contract for $24million.  In the minds 
of the Mariners an upgrade from
Tom Murphy who signed a few days
earlier with the SF Giants for two years
at $8million.

Garver will have to pass his physical
to make it official first. He likely will
get most of his at bats being the M's
primary dh. Could see him at first
base as well on occasion.

Not known for having a good glove
at catcher is why he will dh for the
most part.  The Mariner's acquired 
two catchers already during the
off-season. Seby Zalva in the trade
with the Diamondback's for Eugenio Suarez and Blake Hunt from the Tampa Bay Rays.
One of the two could start the season
with the Mariners as the third catcher.
They are both known for their defense 
than offense. 

Last season with the Texas Rangers 
Garver in a part-time role hit ..270
with 19 home runs and 50 RBIs.
Garver should be an upgrade at dh
where the Mariners struggled all
last season. He caught in 28 games 
last season. Whether he plays that
many games this next season at 
catcher will depend a lot on how
the Mariners are doing.  Garver is
a right handed hitter so could see 
him catch against lefties when Cal
Raleigh needs a day off behind the
plate. 

Now we see who else the Mariners
will acquire. They could use at least
one outfielder if not two with good
major league experience. Picking up
a third baseman would be nice to
otherwise have to depend on someone
is more of a utility player. We will get
to that later. Spring trading is now
less than two months away. Go M's.


No comments:

Post a Comment

Preview: Seahawks At 49ers