Seattle Mariners to Name Mitch Garver as Backup Catcher One of the Seattle Mariners’ key roster decisions ahead of spring training has been finalized. According to a source, the team has selected Mitch Garver as their backup catcher. This choice was not initially expected when the season began, as Andrew Knizner and Jhonny Pereda were acquired in the offseason to compete for the role. Garver, who remained an unsigned free agent until advised by Cal Raleigh, signed a minor league contract with the Mariners. The deal includes a $2.25 million payout if he plays in the majors in 2026. Garver joined the team on February 20 and has since participated in nine games, posting a .182 batting average with a .308 on-base percentage. Despite his modest offensive output, he has integrated well with the pitching staff and is valued by manager Dan Wilson for his experience and communication skills. Wilson praised Garver’s ability to absorb and act on feedback from pitchers, calling it a critical asset for the team. “Garv does a tremendous job back there,” Wilson said. “He takes our information very seriously, and when you combine that with his experience, it’s a huge advantage.” The Mariners’ decision to name Garver as the backup catcher comes with specific contractual considerations. As an Article XX(B) free agent, Garver had the option to opt out of his contract on March 21 if he wasn’t placed on the 26-man roster. This status reflects his six years of service time and the timing of his contract signing. With the team’s four-player platoon in right field/designated hitter, Garver’s role will be more limited this season. His right-handed bat and ability to contribute off the bench are expected to be valuable assets, especially given the Mariners’ left-handed bias in the infield.#seattle_mariners #cal_raleigh #mitch_garver #danny_wilson #tripple_a_tacoma
Mitch Garver wins battle for Mariners' backup catcher job Mitch Garver, who joined the Mariners' camp late in the spring on a minor league deal and as a non-roster invite, has secured the backup catcher position, according to a source close to the club. The decision was finalized after a competitive process against veteran Andrew Knizner, who is expected to be designated for assignment (DFA) to free up a 40-man roster spot. The Mariners will finalize their Opening Day roster no earlier than Wednesday, with the 26-man active roster due by the morning of the regular-season opener on Thursday. Knizner, who signed a one-year, $1 million guaranteed contract on December 16, faces potential complications if DFA’d. With over five years of service time, he could decline an outright assignment to Triple-A Tacoma if cleared through waivers. If claimed by another team, that club would assume his salary. Players with three to five years of service, like Knizner, can avoid the outright, making his potential departure a strategic move for the Mariners. Garver, meanwhile, will earn $2.25 million this season under a split minor league contract. His Major League salary is fully guaranteed if he plays at least one day in 2026. Mariners manager Dan Wilson acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but emphasized the team’s focus on long-term competitiveness. “Garv has had a great camp,” Wilson said, highlighting Garver’s contributions during spring training. Entering his age-35 season with eight-plus years of service, Garver retains the right to decline a minor league assignment if needed. This flexibility could come into play if the Mariners shift toward another backup catcher later in the season.#cal_raleigh #mitch_garver #mariners #andrew_knizner #spring_training
Will Smith vs Cal Raleigh: Who is the Better WBC Catcher? MIAMI, FL — Sunday night, the United States delivered a commanding performance in the World Baseball Classic, overcoming a Dominican Republic team that had dominated the tournament with its offensive firepower. However, the DR’s offensive strength was stifled by the U.S. pitching staff, led by a standout game from Dodgers catcher Will Smith. Despite the DR’s usual offensive prowess, their ability to score was limited to just one run, while the U.S. managed two, showcasing the effectiveness of the pitching rotation and Smith’s leadership behind the plate. Smith’s preparation for the Dominican Republic was evident in his approach to the game. Recognizing the threat posed by sluggers like Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Manny Machado, Smith devised a defensive strategy focused on inducing swings and misses. Over half of the pitches thrown in the game were outside the strike zone, with a significant number coming up and in at the hands of batters. This tactic forced the aggressive DR hitters to chase pitches, resulting in nearly 63% of their strikeouts occurring low and outside against right-handed batters. The strategy proved successful, as the DR’s offensive output was severely curtailed, highlighting Smith’s ability to control the game through his catching decisions. Comparing Smith’s performance to his teammate Cal Raleigh reveals a clear advantage for the veteran catcher. While Smith has only played in three of Team USA’s six games, he has posted a .300 batting average and a .785 OPS. His offensive contributions would have been even more impressive if not for a controversial play in the game against Great Britain, where a spectacular catch by Trayce Thompson robbed him of a potential home run.#dominican_republic #world_baseball_classic #mark_derosa #cal_raleigh #will_smith
World Baseball Classic Final Features Mariners Players on Both Teams The World Baseball Classic final has a unique Seattle connection, with Cal Raleigh and Gabe Speier representing Team USA and Eduardo Bazardo, Jhonathan Díaz, and Eugenio Suárez playing for Venezuela. This split gives Mariners fans a stake in either outcome and adds intrigue to the high-stakes international title game. Team USA secured its spot with a 2-1 semifinal victory over the Dominican Republic, overcoming a tough lineup and challenging conditions. Venezuela reached the final after a 4-2 comeback win against Italy, marking the country’s first appearance in a WBC final. The matchup balances Venezuela’s underdog momentum against Team USA’s roster depth and star power. Venezuela’s run has been fueled by a strong underdog narrative, while Team USA relies on veteran experience and elite talent. The game’s outcome could hinge on which team’s story—reliability or late-game surges—proves more decisive. Key Mariners players to watch include Cal Raleigh, who enters the final with a 0-for-9 record but has a history of performing in critical moments. Gabe Speier, despite a mixed stat line, is trusted on a championship roster, with his impact likely shaped by matchup decisions. Eduardo Bazardo’s scoreless inning in the semifinal highlights his value in late-game situations. Jhonathan Díaz adds bullpen depth for Venezuela, while Eugenio Suárez brings a veteran bat capable of shifting momentum with a single swing. The presence of multiple Mariners players on both teams influences how managers approach matchups. Decisions on reliever usage and hitter strategies may prioritize familiarity with tendencies and recent form over traditional reputations. For bettors, the final favors player props and situational bets over a straightforward moneyline.#venezuela #world_baseball_classic #team_usa #cal_raleigh #gabe_speier
