Mariners to sign World Series-winning catcher

Mitch Garver Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Mariners agree to contract with World Series-winning catcher

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 12/24/23

The Seattle Mariners and their fans received quite a Christmas gift on Sunday.

The Mariners have agreed to a contract with free-agent catcher Mitch Garver, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. Garver has agreed to sign with Seattle for two years and $24 million.

BREAKING: Catcher Mitch Garver and the Seattle Mariners are in agreement on a two-year, $24 million contract, pending physical, sources tell ESPN.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to him, Mariners fans who get to celebrate an unexpected gift and everyone else.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 25, 2023

The Mariners had been linked to Garver in early December , but nothing came of it until Sunday. He hit .270 with 19 home runs in 87 games for the Texas Rangers in 2023, playing an important role for a team that ultimately went on to win the World Series. The veteran catcher can also hold down first base and DH, giving Seattle some lineup flexibility.

Though they went 88-74 last season, the Mariners watched two AL West rivals face off in the ALCS and one win the World Series. They have also received criticism from fans – and even one of their players – for not spending enough money. That criticism was exacerbated after they started the offseason with a big cost-cutting move. Adding Garver might help quiet some of those critics.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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