Should the Twins Restock the Garv Sauce?

[Ted Schwerzler]

The Twins have a few critical needs heading into 2024, and one of them is a right-handed bat who can play first base. Old friend Mitch Garver fits the bill, but is the former fan favorite someone they would consider? Would he consider them?

Image courtesy of © Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports

Drafted back in 2013, Mitch Garver spent a substantial amount of time in the Twins organization. He was a key member of the 2019 Bomba Squad, alongside sluggers like Nelson Cruz, Miguel Sano, and Eddie Rosario. Just two years later, though, the front office decided that Ryan Jeffers was their primary backstop, and Garver was flipped to Texas for Ronny Henriquez and Isiah Kiner-Falefa.

After an injury-marred first season with the Rangers, Garver finished his second one by earning a championship ring. He was instrumental at multiple points during the postseason, and drove in the winning run in the decisive World Series Game 5, when his single scored Corey Seager to break a scoreless seventh-inning tie.

Now available on the open market, Garver is a relatively well-understood commodity. He is a solid receiver and has worked with a focus on his framing, dating back to 2019. In the batter’s box, he’s a serious power threat with on-base skills that make him scary no matter where you put him in the lineup. He can also play first base, although he’s below average defensively. The biggest question with Garver is availability.

Just once in his career (back in 2018) did Garver play more than 100 games. He was available for only 23 games during the COVID-shortened season, and got into just 68 in 2021. After undergoing surgery in 2022 with Texas, Garver played in only 54 games, and in 2023, he was available for just 87.

Playing Garver as an everyday catcher doesn’t seem to be in either his or any team’s best interests. Even a true split might not be wise, given that he is now 32 years old. Putting him behind the plate only sporadically and utilizing him at first base or designated hitter more often could make a good deal of sense.

Minnesota has Jeffers queued up for the bulk of their catching work, and while Christian Vazquez is still on the roster, he could be replaced by Jair Camargo. It would be pretty awkward to bring Garver back and ask him to play second fiddle behind the younger player who took his job, but that wouldn’t be the perception if first base were the priority.

Alex Kirilloff should be tentatively expected to play first in 2024, but he has battled injury trouble, too. After another offseason surgery, Kirilloff will look to prove that his shoulder is good to go. The former first-round pick has shown some excellent hitting skills when right, but he's been right far too rarely to establish himself.

While Edouard Julien could mix in at first base with more exposure to the spot this offseason and next spring, Garver being an option would give Baldelli a platoon situation he utilized throughout the lineup a season ago. He specializes in clobbering southpaws, and he could see less stress on his body moving out from behind the plate.

Having only played 15 career games at first base, it would be a transition on the fly for Garver. Many catchers before him have made the move, but Minnesota would certainly be taking a gamble on it going smoothly. Garver has adapted to a designated-hitter role well, and that is an area at which the Twins have an opening, so he can function in that capacity, too. Providing positional flexibility is a must for any offensive free agent the Twins bring in, though, so even a passing competence at first base would significantly enhance the fit for a return.

FanGraphs pegged a potential contract for Garver at $26 million over two years, with the average crowdsourced number below that, at $20 million. That seems like a fair amount for a guy looking to find some stability and hit his long-awaited payday, but Minnesota seems unlikely to fit that number into a constricted budget. If the payroll decreases, $10 million or more for a rotational player probably isn’t something the franchise can swing.

Ultimately, it seems highly unlikely that Garver will return to Twins Territory for several reasons. He is likely looking for a greater opportunity on the field and in his pocketbook than Minnesota can provide, and even while the fit looks good on paper, the expectation should be that the star backstop will land elsewhere.

What do you think of Garver as a potential source of power and patience for a lineup that prizes both virtues? Could a trade of Jorge Polanco or Max Kepler open payroll room to be spent on a return engagement with the prodigal Squadster?

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[Cory Engelhardt]

I REALLY like this idea, quite a lot. He kills lefties, and would be a solid middle-of-the-order type bat who also COULD be a 3rd catcher if necessary.

[Thebigalguy]

Good hypothesis and writing. But Nope. We don’t need him. And as you say it’s awkward. We don’t need a DH when we have multiple guys to rotate into it. Same goes for 1B. I think we have the bats. We need arms. 

[weneedneshek]

I think bringing him in would only make sense if we trade Jeffers as part of a package for some pitching or we find a way to get out from under Vazquez's contract. We need to be able to utilize him some games at catcher to free up 1B/DH for the Kirilloffs and Buxtons to maximize having him on the team. I don't see that being possible with both Jeffers and Vazquez on the roster.

[Riverbrian]

I'd give him a 1B glove and welcome him back home with enthusiasm. 

I would not block up the DH spot with one guy. 

[mickster]

9 minutes ago, Thebigalguy said:

Good hypothesis and writing. But Nope. We don’t need him. And as you say it’s awkward. We don’t need a DH when we have multiple guys to rotate into it. Same goes for 1B. I think we have the bats. We need arms. 

Plus, didn't he put blame on Jeffers for some beanball issues as he put off surgery to play against the Twins in a final series a couple of years back

[DJL44]

I'm not sure he can even catch 40 games a year now. As a RH platoon 1B/DH he's not a great fit for the roster.

[Parfigliano]

13 minutes ago, weneedneshek said:

I think bringing him in would only make sense if we trade Jeffers as part of a package for some pitching or we find a way to get out from under Vazquez's contract. We need to be able to utilize him some games at catcher to free up 1B/DH for the Kirilloffs and Buxtons to maximize having him on the team. I don't see that being possible with both Jeffers and Vazquez on the roster.

The very last thing this team needs is to free up DH ABs for Buxton.  If he cant play CF he's an anchor, liability, road block.....

[PatPfund]

I'd guess the Twins have very little interest in a two year $26 million contract for a guy who averages a half season (next year's salary crunch is bigger than this year's as has been covered well on these pages). If you want to spend $10 million (or more) for a PT 1B/DH, just keep Jorge Polanco, give him a big glove and some reps and rotate him through 1B/2B/DH. Costs nothing. 

(Or even cheaper, play minimum salary Jose Miranda as the RH half of the platoon.)

[Rod Carews Birthday]

The question is:  Would you rather have Garver at about $12M/year for the next two years or Polanco?  If the answer is yes, make the offer and trade Polanco.  I'm on the fence.  The right handed power (Yes, I now Polanco is a switch hitter) is a pretty big need on the team, but I'm not sure if he is healthy enough going forward to justify the expenditure/exchange. 

[sweetmusicviola16]

Seems like signing Garver would signal the end of Kiriloff as a Twin. It would appear to me as if Kiriloff can potentially be as productive as Garver with the bat. Unless they felt that Kiriloff is toast due to injury, but how much less is injury a problem for Garver? Kiriloff will make a fraction of what Garver is going to make. I don't see this happening for a team that is looking to cut payroll and I personally would like to see Kiriloff be given another chance at least to see how good he can be. Kiriloff has low trade value at this point to boot. Not happening, imo.

[nicksaviking]

1 hour ago, Thebigalguy said:

Good hypothesis and writing. But Nope. We don’t need him. And as you say it’s awkward. We don’t need a DH when we have multiple guys to rotate into it. Same goes for 1B. I think we have the bats. We need arms. 

I don't want any of the left over back of the rotation free agent arms. Free agent money needs to be spend on bats.

[tony&rodney]

Garver as a power bat? Polanco as a power bat? Who has more career home runs? Season high? Expected? Consistency? RISP?

I never think of Polanco as a power bat but why is he so underrated? I get that the Twins have the depth to hopefully cover him at 2B. I get that he has had some injuries and declined in athleticism, but Jorge is still a very good baseball player. Perhaps Polanco gets used all over the infield and as a sometime DH this year. I'm not sure how Jorge himself feels about having an unclear role in 2024. Garver is not nearly as valuable a player as Polanco and he would be more expensive too. Garver in 2024? No way.

[Doctor Gast]

Big fan of Garver & it pained me to see him go. But now bringing him back on a part-time basis at $26MM for two years under these circumstances & the premise of letting go a Polanco, Kepler or Farmer at bargain prices or even paying someone to take Vazquez doesn't make sense. Vazquez was a safety net for Jeffers & Jeffers thrived not being the sole primary catcher, where he bombed in '22. But being the sole primary catcher in '24 if they trade Vazquez, Garver's net would not be strong enough to catch Jeffers if he bombs again.

We should have Julien, Kiriloff, Miranda & Farmer at 1B. We don't need another, especially at FA prices. 

 

[CRF]

It's a no from me. I don't think we need to bring him back. 

[jmlease1]

The baseball fit is pretty good: platoon partner for Kirilloff, good DH fit, nice 3rd catcher to have on hand. the money and health make it less good. While the Twins should be able to afford a deal like this, they're probably not going to spend that high, especially not for a 2-year deal, because of their self-imposed payroll limitations. but I do think garver's health issues make it a gamble that they might not be too excited about: we've got several players already with health concerns (Buxton, Kirilloff, Lewis, Gordon, Miranda, Polanco, and even Correa), so adding another just increases the odds against healthy seasons. 

I think this would be a move that might happen if we were maintaining payroll closer to even with 2023, but the predicted decline of $20-30M makes it exceptionally unlikely, even if we are able to drop payroll with a Polanco/Vazquez/Kepler/Farmer deal of some kind.

[MGX]

I think Garver would be a great fit & have said so in other posts, but didn't have any information on what he would cost. For me 10 mil+ per on a multi year deal for someone that would be an insurance/role player doesn't work. We can spend that money on bigger needs.

[chpettit19]

He hit in the 3-5 holes for the World Series champs. I think that's someone the Twins could really use. I don't expect the Twins to sign him, but a righty power bat that can play 1B/C/DH would be a really nice fit for this lineup. His lack of playing time and cost are why it won't happen. But Garver or Hoskins would be guys I'd very much like to see the Twins sign to give the offense a needed boost.

[nicksaviking]

3 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

He hit in the 3-5 holes for the World Series champs. I think that's someone the Twins could really use. I don't expect the Twins to sign him, but a righty power bat that can play 1B/C/DH would be a really nice fit for this lineup. His lack of playing time and cost are why it won't happen. But Garver or Hoskins would be guys I'd very much like to see the Twins sign to give the offense a needed boost.

Yeah, I'd go with Hoskins or Turner first, but Garver at 1B wouldn't be the worst idea.

While I don't like the nostalgia aspect of the 'reunion' scenarios, I do like scenarios involving signing .850 OPS hitters.

[chpettit19]

4 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

Yeah, I'd go with Hoskins or Turner first, but Garver at 1B wouldn't be the worst idea.

While I don't like the nostalgia aspect of the 'reunion' scenarios, I do like scenarios involving signing .850 OPS hitters.

I like the option to have him as an extra catching option since I don't expect at all that Jeffers and Vazquez make it through the year healthy. I don't expect him to either, but that little extra flexibility is nice I think. I'd take any of those 3, though.

Yeah, adding a legit, proven bat is very high on my wish list. Don't really care at all about the nostalgia even though I've always liked Garver. I do care about that OPS, though.

[Mike Sixel]

My first thought was no....but I could get behind this idea (I don't care about the reunion part at all, I just like a legit hitter that can C/1B/DH). 

[old nurse]

Injuries. That is glossed over. What has changed that he is not going to be injured yet again. How many years in a row has it been? Why would you sign yet another player with so much time missed by injury unless it is a team friendly deal. Wherever Garver plays the team would have to have a near ready plan B. He is a luxury item for a team 

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

I think I would lean away,  tends to have a good year followed by a bad year.  

[weitz41]

I would love to have Garver back in a DH/3rd catcher type of spot, but we have this CFer and 2nd baseman that may end up in the DH spot. Tough call but I think I'd be forced to pass.

[Brandon]

I like Garver and am not opposed to signing him.  I do think a good power bat for the middle of the order is not a bad idea.  I think the Twins do not want to commit more money to 2025 though.  How about JD Martinez on a 1 year contract for the same 12-13 million.  I don't know if he can get 2 years or not at his age.  I would be fine with either.  I am just throwing another option out there.  

But to be clear the main objective for the offseason is to get a playoff caliber starting pitcher.

[Doctor Wu]

Hmm.... an interesting idea, but I think that ship has sailed. My hunch is that Garver will want too much money as a free agent, plus the Twins don't have a big need for his services as things stand now. Plus, his injury history would make me think twice too. But when he's healthy, he obviously a strong bat to have in your lineup. 

[jmlease1]

14 hours ago, old nurse said:

Injuries. That is glossed over. What has changed that he is not going to be injured yet again. How many years in a row has it been? Why would you sign yet another player with so much time missed by injury unless it is a team friendly deal. Wherever Garver plays the team would have to have a near ready plan B. He is a luxury item for a team 

I mean, that's the basic problem here, so I don't think it's glossed over. The Twins likely can't afford to sign a player that isn't going to be available for more than 110 games or so, even with extensive time as a DH at the kind of price that Garver is likely to command. They're dropping some payroll and that makes this unlikely. If we were maintaining roughly last season's payroll, then I'd love to give him the payroll slot taken up by Gallo last season, even with the risk of injury. But the team isn't going to have that kind of money available, and in significantly more constrained payroll the injury risk becomes more problematic as well.

[Riverbrian]

17 hours ago, old nurse said:

Injuries. That is glossed over. What has changed that he is not going to be injured yet again. How many years in a row has it been? Why would you sign yet another player with so much time missed by injury unless it is a team friendly deal. Wherever Garver plays the team would have to have a near ready plan B. He is a luxury item for a team 

I'm under the assumption that the Twins can't afford the player who hits like Garver does and stays healthy. 😉

 

[BobAzar]

22 hours ago, mickster said:

Plus, didn't he put blame on Jeffers for some beanball issues as he put off surgery to play against the Twins in a final series a couple of years back

I did a season ticket holder online trivia night a few weeks back, and Ryan Jeffers was the "host". there was a little Q&A, and there was a question about if he reached out to Garver to congratulate him after the WS. and Jeffers said something like, we aren't really friends, not on great terms. etc. so, yeah, I dont think both of them on the roster would go over too well

[nicksaviking]

2 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

I'm under the assumption that the Twins can't afford the player who hits like Garver does and stays healthy. 😉

 

Yeah, and it's an easier blow to absorb when you have young guys like Kirilloff, Lee, Miranda, Martin and Severino who are being crunched and looking to make their own impact at the MLB level.

I think we're past the point where the team needs to fall back on Ryan LaMarre and Rob Refsnyder to fill in for injured guys.