Mariners Re-Sign Mitch Garver to Compete for Backup Catcher Role

The Seattle Mariners have shaken up their catching depth. They brought back veteran Mitch Garver on a minor-league deal with a spring-training invite. The club also added a pair of veterans in Andrew Knizner and Jhonny Pereda.

Garver will get the chance to compete for the backup job behind Cal Raleigh. Knizner and Pereda bring extra experience and some versatility as Seattle shifts from a prospect-heavy approach to a more results-driven plan for 2026.

Garver returns to Seattle on a spring-training invite

Garver, now 35, is set to show up in camp Thursday. He’ll complete a physical and wrap up the deal then. Last season in Seattle, he played in 87 games and hit .209/.297/.343. That included five doubles, a triple, nine homers, and 30 RBIs.

Garver started 42 games behind the plate and 22 as a designated hitter in 2025. He brought a veteran vibe and a right-handed bat off the bench—something this club values in its catchers. His contract is a minor-league pact with a spring invite, so he’ll have to earn the backup spot, but the team keeps its roster flexible.

Seattle doesn’t plan to lean too hard on Garver as a regular. They want a steady hand who can catch, give Raleigh a break, and maybe chip in as DH if the matchup works. Garver’s been around, and his production in big-league environments gives the Mariners a safety net if Raleigh gets hurt or struggles.

With Garver’s contract running through 2026 and the team’s recent moves, Seattle’s banking on his presence to help bridge the gap for younger players coming up behind Raleigh.

Backup catcher battle and roster implications

Along with Garver, Seattle picked up Andrew Knizner on a one-year major-league deal. Knizner, 30, has seven big-league seasons with St. Louis, Texas, and San Francisco. He’s got a career line of .211/.281/.316 over 975 plate appearances, with 19 homers and 90 RBIs.

Last year, Knizner played 33 games for the Giants and hit .221/.289/.299 in 99 plate appearances. He’s known for his defense and game-calling, giving the Mariners a solid veteran who can step in as a backup and push Raleigh if needed.

Seattle also traded for catcher Jhonny Pereda from Minnesota for cash. Pereda, 29, has played 46 MLB games in the last two seasons with a .241/.299/.296 line. He’s got a minor-league option and will likely start at Triple-A Tacoma, unless he surprises everyone in spring and grabs the backup job.

If injury or underperformance hits, Pereda gives the team a built-in depth option. He could slot in quickly if the Mariners need another catcher on short notice.

Evaluating the backup options and what it means for 2026

Garver, Knizner, and Pereda now form a trio that gives the Mariners a mix of power, defense, and depth behind Cal Raleigh. Raleigh has locked down the everyday role with his framing, leadership, and steady bat, but you never know—injuries or cold streaks happen. Garver brings power, Knizner’s got the glove, and Pereda offers defensive flexibility. The team can mix and match their backups based on pitchers and matchups as the season drags on.

• Garver adds a veteran presence and right-handed power off the bench. He already knows Seattle’s clubhouse and ballparks, which helps.
• Knizner is a steady defensive option with enough MLB time to handle a start if Raleigh needs a break or hits a rough patch.
• Pereda gives organizational depth with a minor-league option, making him a candidate for a late-season call-up or as a defensive specialist in a pinch.

The Mariners have to balance Raleigh’s workload with a flexible bench. Since prospect Harry Ford is now with the Nationals after the trade, the immediate internal options at catcher are thinner. That makes the Garver-Knizner-Pereda group even more important for 2026.

Impact on the pitching staff and the road ahead

Seattle suddenly has three experienced depth options, and that could shake up how they handle spring training battles. The team might rethink their early-season bullpen and rotation plans, too.

If Garver and Knizner show strong game-calling skills and work well with the pitching staff, Raleigh’s margin for error gets a lot smaller. That takes some pressure off the team to lean too heavily on a young catcher right away.

So what’s next? Fans and observers will be watching how this trio performs in camp and who grabs the MLB backup spot. Pereda’s progress in Triple-A also matters, especially in a season where every pitch and defensive play could echo into the Mariners’ future.

 
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