What Happened to Mitchell Lynn Garver?
Mitch Garver is an American professional baseball catcher and designated hitter who played for the Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers, and Seattle Mariners. After winning a World Series with the Rangers in 2023, he signed a significant contract with the Mariners but struggled with performance and injuries, leading to his release in August 2026. He subsequently signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees.
Quick Answer
Mitch Garver, a veteran MLB catcher and designated hitter, was released by the Seattle Mariners on August 4, 2026, after struggling through the 2024, 2025, and early 2026 seasons with the team. Following his release, Garver signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees on August 7, 2026, seeking to continue his professional baseball career.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Mitchell Lynn Garver was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Drafted by the Minnesota Twins
Garver was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 9th round of the MLB June Amateur Draft from the University of New Mexico.
MLB Debut with Minnesota Twins
Mitch Garver made his Major League Baseball debut with the Minnesota Twins.
Wins American League Silver Slugger Award
Garver had a breakout season, hitting 31 home runs and earning the Silver Slugger Award for catchers in the American League.
Traded to Texas Rangers
The Minnesota Twins traded Mitch Garver to the Texas Rangers.
Wins World Series with Texas Rangers
Garver was a key contributor to the Texas Rangers' World Series championship team.
Signs with Seattle Mariners
Garver signed a two-year, $24 million contract with the Seattle Mariners, including a mutual option for the 2026 season.
Struggles in First Season with Mariners
Garver had a disappointing season, batting .172 in a career-high 114 games and facing significant fan criticism.
Continues to Struggle with Mariners
His offensive performance remained below expectations, batting .209 with nine home runs in 87 games.
Mariners Decline 2026 Option
The Seattle Mariners declined Garver's $12 million mutual option for the 2026 season, making him a free agent, though he received a $1 million buyout.
Re-signs with Mariners on Minor League Deal
Garver agreed to a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners, returning to compete for a backup catcher role.
Makes Mariners Opening Day Roster
After re-signing on a minor league deal, Garver's contract was selected, and he made the Mariners' Opening Day roster.
Released by Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners released Mitch Garver as part of several roster moves following the trade deadline, after he batted .175 in 50 games in 2026.
Signs Minor League Deal with New York Yankees
Following his release from Seattle, Mitch Garver signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Mitchell Lynn Garver, born January 15, 1991, has had a professional baseball career marked by offensive prowess, particularly in power hitting, but also by injuries and inconsistent performance. Drafted by the Minnesota Twins in 2013, he made his MLB debut in 2017 and had a breakout season in 2019, earning an American League Silver Slugger Award for catchers after hitting 31 home runs.
After being traded to the Texas Rangers in 2022, Garver played a crucial role in their 2023 World Series championship, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. This success led to him signing a two-year, $24 million contract with the Seattle Mariners in December 2023, which included a mutual option for the 2026 season. The Mariners hoped he would be their primary designated hitter and a reliable backup catcher.
However, Garver's tenure with the Mariners proved challenging. In 2024, he played a career-high 114 games but posted one of his worst offensive seasons, batting just .172 with 15 home runs. He openly discussed receiving insults and death threats from fans due to his performance, describing it as the hardest grind of his career. His struggles continued into the 2025 season, where he batted .209 with nine home runs in 87 games, failing to live up to the expectations of his contract.
As a result of his declining performance, the Mariners declined their $12 million mutual option for the 2026 season on November 3, 2025, making Garver a free agent, though he received a $1 million buyout. Despite this, Garver re-signed with the Mariners on a minor league contract on February 18, 2026, and made the Opening Day roster on March 25, 2026, hoping for a rebound. However, his struggles persisted in 2026, as he batted .175 with four home runs and 15 RBIs in 50 games.
On August 4, 2026, the Seattle Mariners released Garver, along with outfielder Rob Refsnyder, as part of a roster shakeup following the trade deadline. This move cleared space for new acquisitions and the recall of prospect Jhonny Pereda. Just three days later, on August 7, 2026, Mitch Garver signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees, seeking a fresh start and another opportunity in Major League Baseball.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Mitchell Lynn Garver made different choices?