Garver Is Your Guy: Mariners Lock In Their Backup Catcher For 2026
The Seattle Mariners have made their call behind the plate. According to Shannon Drayer, the team is going with Mitch Garver as their backup catcher for the 2026 season. That's your depth chart settled heading into Opening Day, and it gives the M's clarity on who is backing up Cal Raleigh when he needs a breather.
Solidifying the Catching Position
This decision locks in the Mariners' catching rotation for the year ahead. With Raleigh as the primary starter, Garver steps into that critical backup role, which matters more than casual fans realize. A backup catcher has to be ready to step in at any moment, handle the pitching staff, and manage the game when the starter needs rest or gets dinged up. The Mariners are confident in what Garver brings to that spot.
Spring Training Taking Shape
The move is part of the bigger picture as the Mariners finalize their roster during spring training. There is still work to do before the regular season kicks off, but having the catching situation sorted is one less question mark heading into the final weeks of prep. Every decision in March matters when you are trying to build momentum heading into April.
Seattle is still working through other roster questions as Opening Day approaches, but at least the front office can check this one off the list. The Mariners know what they have in their catching depth now, and they can move forward with confidence in that position. Time to see how the rest of the pieces fall into place before the first pitch at T-Mobile Park.
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This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.