After 10 years in the major leagues, former Seattle Mariners catcher Mitch Garver retired this week at the age of 35. On Thursday, Garver put out the message himself on Instagram. In that message, he thanked his teammates, his coaches, his wife and his agency. He did not mention any teams specifically, but he included a photo montage featuring him with the Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers and Mariners.

It was a well-said tribute from a classy player. Garver indicated that he wants to be spend more time as a dad, a husband and a golfer. Current M's pitcher Bryce Miller called him a future manager in the comments.

Garver signed a two-year deal worth $24 million with the Mariners before the 2024 season, but he never really took off in Seattle. Until Josh Naylor's five-year deal last offseason, that was the biggest free agent deal given to a hitter by Jerry Dipoto.

Garver struggled mightily in 2024, hitting just .172 with 15 home runs. He was brought into help anchor the middle of the order as a designated hitter and it just didn't happen. Though he provided some pop, he lost his DH spot and eventually became the backup catcher to Cal Raleigh.

He reprised that role in 2025, though he did DH against left-handers, and he performed admirably as the Mariners won the American League West and got to the American League Championship Series. He hit .209 with nine homers and 30 RBIs while posting an OPS+ of 85.

Garver was a free agent again after the 2025 season and the Mariners re-signed him during spring training to a minor league deal. He ended up making the roster as the M's jettisoned Andrew Knizner, and he struggled to a .175 average with four homers in 50 games. The Mariners designated him for assignment and he latched on with the New York Yankees, though he never appeared in a big league game with them.

All in all, Garver's time with the M's was unfulfilling, but he did provide some nice moments, including a walk-off home run against the Atlanta Braves in 2024.

And he earned the respect of his teammates, which ultimately matters a great deal. His willingness to take on different roles, be a mentor and his ability to share his baseball acumen resonated in that clubhouse, and it's why you see Miller saying he'll be a future manager.

He'll just have to get off the golf course first.