Mariners considering signing catcher away from division rival

Aug 14, 2013; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Seattle Mariners hat in the dugout against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Seattle Mariners reportedly have interest in a player who has been part of one of their divisional rivals.

MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported on Thursday that the Mariners are considering signing Mitch Garver.

“Mitch Garver is among the free-agent bats under consideration by the Mariners. He’s a good fit for the Seattle roster because he can contribute at DH, catcher, and first base. The Albuquerque native posted an .870 OPS in 87 games for the WS champs this year,” Morosi reported.

Mitch Garver is among the free-agent bats under consideration by the Mariners. He's a good fit for the Seattle roster because he can contribute at DH, catcher, and first base. The Albuquerque native posted an .870 OPS in 87 games for the WS champs this year. @MLBNetwork

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 8, 2023

Garver has spent the last two seasons with the Texas Rangers. He batted .270 with 11 doubles, 19 home runs and an .870 OPS in 87 games last season. His biggest offensive season came in 2019 with the Minnesota Twins when he smacked 31 home runs in 93 games and posted a .995 OPS.

Garver has spent time playing catcher and first base, and he also serves as a designated hitter. The 32-year-old earned $3.9 million in 2023.