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
