Yankees add ex-Mariners catcher after trade deadline

The New York Yankees didn’t get the catcher they wanted at the MLB trade deadline, but it didn’t take long for them to find one elsewhere.

New York has agreed to a minor league contract with veteran catcher Mitch Garver, according to Ted Schwerzler of Minnesota Sports Fan. Garver will initially report to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and the deal reportedly includes an opt-out later this month.

It’s not the blockbuster addition Yankees fans may have envisioned, but it gives the organization something it desperately needed: another experienced option behind the plate. Catcher has been a frustrating position for New York throughout the 2026 season. The Yankees reportedly explored several possibilities leading up to the trade deadline but ultimately couldn’t complete a deal. Instead, they waited until afterward and turned to the open market.

Garver brings plenty of MLB experience and some legitimate power. He most recently played for the Seattle Mariners and has spent time with multiple organizations throughout his career.

The immediate question is how long he’ll remain in Triple-A.

Ben Rice could receive more opportunities behind the plate because of the roster adjustments New York has been forced to make without Aaron Judge. That gives the Yankees some flexibility for now, but relying heavily on Rice isn’t necessarily an ideal long-term solution. Judge is also on pace to return very soon.

Garver isn’t going to solve every problem New York has behind the plate, but after striking out on the trade market, the Yankees needed another option. Now Garver has a few weeks to prove he deserves an opportunity in the Bronx.

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