The upcoming free agent class has long looked like it would be much heavier on pitching than hitting, and that situation only became more extreme as players at or near the top of the class like Rafael Devers, Manny Machado, and Ian Happ signed extensions prior to the 2023 campaign. Headed into the season, it looked as if the only surefire impact position players available would be two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani and glove-first third baseman Matt Chapman, particularly when slugging outfielder Teoscar Hernandez struggled badly to open the year. One name that didn’t receive much attention prior to his platform season was Mitch Garver, the Rangers catcher who had appeared in just 37.8% of his teams’ games since the start of the 2020 season due to injuries.
Texas defied preseason expectations to lead the AL West throughout the entire first half, lost eight consecutive games in late August to fall into a three-way tie with the Mariners and Astros in the win column, then ultimately missed the AL West crown after posting a 90-72 record identical to that of Houston’s division champs. Despite all of that uncertainty, Garver has been a stabilizing presence when in the club’s lineup. The 32-year-old slashed an impressive .270/.370/.500 across 344 trips to the plate with the Rangers this season while posting his lowest strikeout rate (23.8%) since 2019 and a career-best mark for walk rate (12.8%).
To put those numbers into perspective, Garver’s 138 wRC+ this year is tied with Brandon Belt and Ryan Jeffers for the 15th-best mark in the majors among players with at least 300 plate appearances this season. This puts Garver ahead of the likes of Cody Bellinger, Mike Trout, and Luis Arraez, and just a few points players like Kyle Tucker and Bryce Harper. Making Garver’s offensive capabilities more enticing is his ability to play catcher. Among all catchers with at least 150 plate appearances in 2023, Garver ranks second in on-base percentage, third in slugging percentage, third in walk rate, and he is tied with Jeffers for second in wRC+ (behind only Tom Murphy’s 47-game season with the Mariners).
Given the weak offensive free agent class, Garver’s prowess with the bat, and his ability to play behind the plate, one might assume that the veteran is on his way to a top-of-the-market payday this offseason. However, Garver’s situation isn’t that simple. Beyond the fact that he’ll play the 2024 campaign at age-33, there’s also the concern of his lengthy injury history. Garver missed six weeks with a sprained knee earlier this season, and in recent years has also missed time due to forearm, groin, back, intercostal, and ankle issues. Between those injuries and his role as a catcher requiring more days off than most everyday players, Garver has played just 209 games the past three seasons despite being a clear everyday talent when healthy.
Upon his return from the injured list in June, the Rangers helped Garver stay on the field by utilizing him primarily as a designated hitter. Though he hit well in the role, he was limited to just 25 games behind the plate over the season’s final four months, which will surely raise questions for potential suitors regarding Garver’s ability to catch regularly going forward.
As a DH, Garver would still have value, though it would be significantly reduced. Belt and J.D. Martinez are two examples of defensively-limited sluggers in their mid-thirties who posted similar numbers to Garver in 2023, and both ended up signing one-year deals this past offseason. That’s not to say Garver will necessarily be limited to similarly short-term offers, though it’s hard to imagine a player of his age and injury history approaching the much more significant contract (five years, $87.5MM) commanded by Willson Contreras last year, despite Contreras being a fellow catcher with relatively comparable offensive numbers in recent years.
That seems particularly true given that Garver seems to best fit a team with another reliable catching option, so Garver could have a clear path to DH playing time and face less pressure to regularly suit up behind the plate. Of course, the Rangers have such an arrangement, with Jonah Heim as the club’s everyday catcher and plenty of DH starts available for Garver. The Cubs and Padres are among other teams who could theoretically provide Garver with occasional time behind the plate next year alongside regular backstops Yan Gomes and Luis Campusano while allowing him to DH the majority of the time, which would seem to be the best approach in order to maximize both Garver’s talents and time on the field.
JayRyder
I could see him getting a two year 16 mil dollar deal
In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani
If he would sign for that cheap, Texas better bring him back instead of trying to blow 8 million on trying to get Perez back.
ohyeadam
He’s closer to getting hit with a QO than he is to an offer like that
In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani
I was thinking Texas should QO him.
ohyeadam
Would more than likely accept imo. Although this may be his only chance at a significant multi year contract
Go Go Power Rangers
I think this is the play as well
deweybelongsinthehall
Very risky. Incentive laden deal seems like his best chance. aNo way I give him the QO.
Go Go Power Rangers
They gave it to Pérez last year and that was a big risk. With Garver, at least you know what you’re getting. And you’ll get that for (hopefully) a year without a long term commitment.
oscar gamble
You’re only risking money.
Murphy NFLD
Yea agree I mean look what Contreras got last year. I don’t think he get that but 3 plus an option maybe. Maybe 38 over 3 plus an option 12 per year and 2 mil buy out on 12 option. He could even get 15/16
wileycoyote56
Be a smarter move to offer him 2 years for 20-24 million with an option for 3rd year. QO is 20 million so 2/20 with a 3rd at 12 with 2-3 million buyout even 2/25 wouldn’t hurt too bad
Roguesaw2
Double it. 2 @ 32 is probably a little high but closer than 2 @ 16 ends up being. 3 @ 39, third year is probably a team option is my guess.
TennVol
Could see the Jays look at him as a once or twice a week catcher-DH-1B type that would replace Belt who may retire. Could see him getting a 3yr 24m contract give or take a couple of million. Jansen can be primary catcher and Kirk can be packaged for something else needed in the offseason. Jansen is entering his last arbitration season and needs to be locked up.
luclusciano
Is that a good trade off – Garver for Kirk? I have seen a lot of package offers on this site where Jays get a great player for Kirk, but seems like Kirk is a younger version of Garver with control. Neither play full seasons and are valid backups.
jacl
he’s missed so much time during the last couple of years that I keep forgetting he’s on the team.
A'sfaninLondonUK
@TennVol
I don’t understand why you’re higher on Jansen then Kirk? Admittedly when I watch Blue Jays games it is to follow ex A’s players, but with the exception of base running, I thought Jansen & Kirk to be pretty much interchangeable.
Enlighten me please!
Murphy NFLD
Jansen has been a great bat the past 2 years and a good bat prior. He is average or better in most catching defensive stats. Kirk had 1 great year with the bat and 1 ok year this year. After looking into it Kirk’s numbers are just as good but doesn’t have power like Jansen. sense 2021 jansen has a WRC+ of 105, 141, 116 playing 75-85 games. Kirk has 106, 129, 96. Playing 60, 129 and 143 games. Kirk has 30 HRs in that span while Jansen has 43 playing almost half the games due to injury.
Murphy NFLD
Kirk has 26 DRS in 2 years and a war of 5.5. Jansen has 4.6 war and 3 DRS. Keep in mind Jansen played 136 games to Kirk’s 262. I voted signing Jansen aswell there both good cathcers but I see Kirk being a league average bat so good for a catcher and I see Jansen being an above average bat so great for a catcher. Alot of jansens injuries have been finger, wrist hand Cather type injuries so there’s that and the real power to
A'sfaninLondonUK
Thanks @Murphy NFLD…
I’m guilty of looking as an A’s fan & “protecting” the longer controlled player – in other words Kirk – without diving a bit further…
Assuming, you’re a Jays fan?
Do you…
Sign Garver to play 40 games at catcher and 80 games DH?
Expect Jansen to play 120 behind the dish with some rest?
And package the cheap Kirk for a close to ready 3rd baseman, or close to ready back end starter?
Admittedly don’t know much of the park?
Cheers….
sippycups
happy to see him in the lineup today over Grossman. gonna miss him next season.
C Yards Jeff
I thought Daniels getting fired last August was the right move (IE 6 straight losing seasons). Was very skeptical of retaining/promoting Chris Young. Here I am, and as usual, eating crow. Wow. What a team transformation!
In regards to Mitch, if I were him, I’d stay right there and even if it’s not the best offer. Great fit considering his age, injury history and abilities on a team with a winning culture. Stay Mitch stay.
sippycups
obviously all depends upon what he wants. playing time? money? to win? CY definitely gotta offer him something after what he’s done for the team this year. I hope they can agree on something.
HALfromVA
Rangers damn sure aren’t showing him any love in the playoffs. Sat on the bench all 3 games so far, while Grossman goes 2 for 14, with 8 strikeouts. Come on Bochy, get Mitch in the lineup!
martras
He’s probably hurt again. Garver has been constantly hurt throughout his entire career.
Gwynning
Knowing Preller’s affinity for ex-Rangers, this one seems anticlimactic. Welcome to San Diego, Garver!
RonDarlingShouldntBeInTheHallOfFame
Yup. I’d be fairly happy with him coming in and getting the bulk of the DH ab’s while catching a couple of days a week. I’d prefer Justin Turner though, just because he can play a little 2nd, 3rd, and 1st in a pinch..but Garver would be fine.
Only issue I see with it is that both he and Campy have tough pasts with injuries..so they may have to carry 3 catchers..but with Eguy most likely stepping into the primary utility role next year, they should be ok there.
sippycups
obviously all depends upon what he wants. playing time? money? to win? CY definitely gotta offer him something after what he’s done for the team this year. I hope they can agree on something.
sippycups
sorry, replied under wrong comment…
Gwynning
It’s all good homie!
MPrck
Those long term deals are killers. No flexibility if things don’t work out. For Detroit fans the Baez contract stinks to high heaven. Detroit last year went too long with Maton. They played good enough after he went down so no need to go after Chapman.
They bring up Jung and Keith to go with Veiling, and Ibanez for right and left third and second basemen, and that would be sweet. Bigbie, and Malloy round out the team for right hand hitters, and the Tigers are set. Of course Baddoo, short, Nevin and Mckinstry, along with Miguel would be gone.
The playoffs this year are really showing up some teams. Is Atlanta like Tampa ? Only good during the season ? The genius of D,D is always on display. The Phils lose their first baseman at the get go, then Harper. Baltimore ? Toronto ? The East looking like the Least ? Texas versus Houston ? Looking like that. Phils versus Arizona ? Looking like that. Strange stuff indeed.
Ignorant Son-of-a-b
The AL East is a paper tiger. They all folded with just a mere gust of wind. (Okay Balt. is still alive but on life support.) The power center has moved to the AL West.
DonOsbourne
Post season grand slams look good on a resume.
In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani
Yeah. The man should get Hannigee money. If he is willing to sign for less than 15 million, it makes sense. Ideally, he gets a QO and signs with a team with the 11th pick. Also, Texas is the first team in MLB history with 7+ hits and walks in the first 3 innings in the playoffs. It looks like that sweep prediction is coming true!
DonOsbourne
They really rattled Grayson Rodriguez. Monty looked rough early and then he settled in. He’s been huge for them so far.
Melchez17
AL East is the toughest, roughest, dog tootin meanest division…
All three teams get swept again? ROTFLMAO!!!!
stymeedone
I could see Detroit looking at Garver as a backup C and RH DH option, a replacement for Haase.
In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani
Corey Seager just made MLB history! He is the first guy in postseason history to walk 5 times in a game! 1760 games and nobody yet… I saw him chasing like crazy the last two plate appearances, though, as if he was desperately trying to avoid walking lol
Melchez17
So many thought Seager was a bad signing… the guy was the best SS available.
In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani
Well… I sure didn’t! Now, Semien seemed to be a terrible signing and continues to be, but it could be worse (Baez, Story, Swanson, and even Correa to an extent). Defense guys are easy to claim, but offense gets paid. Seager is the left handed ARod for 1 season.
HBan22
Semien “continues to be a terrible signing” ?
He was solid last year and one of the best overall players in the league this year. Both him and Seager have been well worth their contracts so far.
In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani
That $ could have been spent much more efficiently on Freddie Freeman, don’t you think? Lowe traded or moved to DH, with Foscue or Acuna up or IKF for half the WAR
In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani
*IKF trade or waiver claim
The BP was a bigger issue, with a dozen middle infield prospects, and Semien is good in odd years and bad in even years. If Semien has a bad year next year and then continues to age, I see this being like the Heyward deal in a way. More than 2 of that WAR would go away if he moved from 2nd to DH on this team without a regular DH anyways. He’s being paid mainly for defensive value, ehivh declines wirh age. Once he becomes a DH, that value goes away. Also, playing 162 inflates that WAR a good bit. See how IFK’s value dropped so much when he moved positions?
stymeedone
Seager was the best hitter available. Virtually all of the others you mention are better defensive SS. Miggy’s contract looked fine its first year. Seager’s contract is much too long to grade it after 2 years.
Unclemike1526
The Cubs won’t sign him. Gomes and Amaya will be fine with Aliendo starting out at AAA he’s not needed here. Try again.
padam
He’s played well in his contract year. His history of injuries and defensive performance wouldn’t warrant a QO at $20M. His age would lend caution to anything more than two years. I’m passing on resigning him unless it’s $8M per for two, otherwise we wish you well.
Pageup
Didn’t know Machado signed an extension to his original $300 million contract. He still has $332 million coming to him. That’s real money.
Clofreesz
Eh. He’s staying in Texas for one more year.
QO.
the guru
Rangers are doing something to make their players look better than they are. They have 2-3 really good players they are making look like super stars but they largely have a whole roster of replacement players that are all having platform years after having atrocious years prior. There’s a bad rumor(s) i’m hearing that i wont post here, same with a few other teams.
You don’t improve 30 wins in 1 season with the exact same roster.
HALfromVA
Who are the players they had “atrocious “ years last year? I’ll wait.