Tag: MLB Free Agency

Mariners include Mitch Garver on Opening Day roster, Andrew Knizner’s future uncertain

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3/22/2026

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The Seattle Mariners are moving forward with a veteran option behind the plate.

Seattle will add Mitch Garver to its Opening Day roster as the backup catcher, according to a report from Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times. (SOURCE)

The decision creates immediate roster implications, particularly for Andrew Knizner, who no longer appears to have a clear path onto the roster.

Garver earns roster spot despite recent struggles

Garver, 35, enters his third season with Seattle after rejoining the club on a minor league deal this spring.

Earlier in his career, Garver established himself as a power-hitting catcher, highlighted by a strong stretch from 2019 through 2023. During that span, he hit .250 with a .346 on-base percentage and a .508 slugging percentage while launching 75 home runs.

His 2023 season with the Texas Rangers stood out, as he hit 19 home runs in just 87 games while improving his plate discipline.

However, his production has declined since joining Seattle. Across 201 games with the Mariners, Garver has posted a .187/.290/.341 slash line with a 29.6 percent strikeout rate and below-average offensive production.

His spring training performance has also been limited, hitting .182 with continued contact issues.

Knizner likely odd man out

The move puts Knizner in a difficult position heading into Opening Day.

Knizner, 31, is on a $1 million contract for the 2026 season and cannot be optioned to the minors. As a result, Seattle will need to either trade him or designate him for assignment if he does not make the final roster.

While Knizner has experience across seven MLB seasons, his offensive production has been limited, with a career .211 batting average and modest power numbers.

Defensively, he has been viewed as a steady option, though his metrics have been comparable to Garver’s in recent seasons.

Veteran presence behind the plate

With Cal Raleigh expected to handle the majority of the workload, the Mariners appear to value Garver’s experience and familiarity with the organization.

Seattle may be prioritizing a veteran presence behind the plate, particularly one who has been part of the club during its recent postseason push.

Garver now projects to serve as Raleigh’s backup to open the 2026 season, while Knizner’s future will be resolved in the coming days.

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Dodgers Re-Sign Evan Phillips to $6.5 Million Deal Amid Tommy John Recovery

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2/11/26

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The Los Angeles Dodgers are bringing back a familiar late-inning arm.

Right-handed reliever Evan Phillips has re-signed with Los Angeles on a one-year, $6.5 million contract, the team announced Wednesday. The agreement ends a brief free agency period after the Dodgers chose to non-tender Phillips in November rather than take him through arbitration.

According to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times, the Dodgers remained in steady contact with Phillips throughout the offseason, even as he continued recovering from Tommy John surgery performed June 4.

A Strategic Reunion

Phillips, 31, is not expected to return until after the 2026 All-Star break. The Dodgers weighed the financial uncertainty tied to his rehab before deciding to bring him back on a slightly higher salary than his projected arbitration figure.

President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman previously acknowledged the challenge of re-signing a pitcher coming off elbow reconstruction, but emphasized Phillips’ value to the organization’s recent success.

Los Angeles ultimately prioritized continuity in a bullpen that has leaned heavily on Phillips in high-leverage moments over the past several seasons.

Track Record of Elite Production

Since arriving on a waiver claim from the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021, Phillips has quietly developed into one of the National League’s most dependable relievers.

Across 201 appearances with the Dodgers, he owns a 2.22 ERA and 2.87 expected ERA, along with 221 strikeouts against just 52 walks in 195 innings. He has also converted 45 saves during that span.

In 2025, Phillips’ season was derailed early. He opened the year on the injured list with a right rotator cuff strain linked to the previous postseason. He appeared in only seven games before undergoing surgery, tossing 5 2/3 scoreless innings with six strikeouts.

Roster Implications

To clear space on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers designated catcher Ben Rortvedt for assignment. Rortvedt had recently been reclaimed off waivers but faced a crowded depth chart behind Will Smith and Dalton Rushing.

If Rortvedt clears waivers, Los Angeles could retain him as organizational depth without occupying a 40-man spot.

Looking Ahead

The move signals patience rather than urgency. Phillips will not impact the early months of the season, but the Dodgers are betting on his ability to anchor the bullpen down the stretch.

For a team with championship expectations, bringing back a proven high-leverage arm — even on a delayed timeline — represents a calculated investment in October stability.

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