NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 08: New York Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman speaks to the media prior to the start of the game against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on April 08, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
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The New York Yankees spent the days leading up to the trade deadline searching for help behind the plate, hoping to add more offensive production and balance to their lineup. While the organization explored several options, the club ultimately entered the final stretch of the season without making the splash that many observers expected.
But evidently that did not stop the Yankees from continuing to search for catching depth. With postseason aspirations still driving roster decisions, New York has turned its attention toward adding experienced players who could provide another option if they regain their form and the team’s need persists.
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The latest move brings a familiar name with significant postseason experience into the organization.
“Catcher Mitch Garver has signed a minor league deal with the New York Yankees,” Minnesota Sports Fan’s Ted Schwerlzer reported. “Will report to (the Scranton/Wilkers-Barre RailRiders) and has an opt out later this month.”
Garver’s arrival gives the Yankees another right-handed hitting catcher just a few days after the former Silver Slugger was released by the Seattle Mariners.
“Garver, 35, began the year with the Mariners but he was released earlier this week,” Darragh McDonald wrote for MLB Trade Rumors. “Serving as the backup to Cal Raleigh, he produced a .175/.302/.294 line in 149 plate appearances. His 14.8% walk rate in that time was great but he also struck out at a 32.9% pace. Garver isn’t a strong defender behind the plate and really needs to hit to be a useful player.”
Though Garver might not be a blockbuster addition, the move represents a chance for the veteran catcher to rebuild his value with a franchise that has targeted offensive-minded catching options.
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Garver’s track record explains why the Yankees were willing to take a chance.
Before his recent struggles, Garver was one of baseball’s more productive offensive catchers. He earned Silver Slugger recognition with the Minnesota Twins in 2019 and was a World Series champion with the Texas Rangers in 2023.
However, his recent offensive decline has changed his market. Since the beginning of the 2024 season, Garver has struggled to consistently produce, leading him to accept a minor league opportunity with Seattle before eventually being released.
The Yankees had been searching for catching help for much of the summer.
“The Yankees were connected to catchers for weeks ahead of the trade deadline, particularly right-handed hitters,” McDonald added. “It once seemed as though acquiring Ryan Jeffers from the Twins would be a lock. However, the Twins decided not to sell at the deadline.”
New York also explored other alternatives before failing to land an established catcher at the deadline. Adding Garver now gives the organization another experienced option who could potentially help if his bat returns.