Yankees Sign Former Silver Slugger Winning Catcher

The New York Yankees have bolstered their catcher options by signing Mitch Garver to a minor league contract, according to Ted Schwerzler of MinnesotaSportsFan.com. Garver will be assigned to Triple-A minor league team Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, with an opt-out opportunity later this month. The move makes sense for the Yankees, who are looking to add more depth behind the plate. Garver, a veteran catcher, joins the Yankees on a minor league deal, reflecting the team's interest in exploring his capabilities.

Garver's career trajectory has been a mixed bag. After being released by the Seattle Mariners this week, he struggled during the 2025 season, where he managed four home runs, 15 RBI, and a .175 batting average across 50 games. However, his performance in the 2025 season was not a complete wash; prior to that, Garver had a more impressive 2025 campaign, hitting nine home runs, 30 RBI, and posting a .209 batting average in 87 games earlier that year.

Despite recent struggles, Garver has not been without a positive impact. In 2019, he was awarded a Silver Slugger, showcasing his ability to make a significant mark at the plate, recording 31 home runs, 61 RBI, and a .273 batting average in 93 games. Additionally, in 2024, he contributed 15 home runs in 114 games with the Mariners. This minor league stint with the Yankees will provide an opportunity for Garver to demonstrate his skills further and potentially earn a spot in the Yankees' roster.