The Seattle Mariners signed veteran catcher Mitch Garver to a two-year deal on Sunday night worth $24 million.
The signing helps halt the frustration felt by Mariners' fans this offseason as the team had previously done nothing but cut salary. This move doesn't completely erase the frustration, but it is nice to see the team do something to add.
With Garver in the fold, here's how things shape up for the starting lineup at the moment.
C) Cal Raleigh
1B) Ty France
2B) Josh Rojas
SS) JP Crawford
3B) Luis Urias
CF: Julio Rodriguez
LF: Dominic Canzone/Taylor Trammell/Cade Marlowe
RF: Dominic Canzone/Taylor Trammell/Cade Marlowe
DH: Mitch Garver
Garver likely slots in as the main designated hitter, with the ability to catch when Raleigh needs a break.
As evidenced by the above breakdown, the M's offense still doesn't look good enough to compete in a loaded American League. They absolutely need another powerful bat in the lineup, someone that can replace the production lost from either Teoscar Hernandez in the outfield or Eugenio Suarez at third base.
Maybe that bat is still out there on the free agent market: Matt Chapman is available at third base and Jorge Soler, a guy the M's have been connected to all offseason, is still available in the outfield.
Seattle went 88-74 in 2023 and missed the playoffs by one game. They've made the playoffs once since 2001 and are the only team in baseball to never appear in a single World Series, which has fueled the angst amongst the fanbase.
More must-reads: