Mitch Garver is Ready to Go

After a breakout in 2019 as a member of the Bomba Squad, Garver dealt with an injury that severely limited effectiveness in 2020. While the team took a step backward last year, the New Mexico native returned to the upper-tier among catchers and could be considered as one of the best in the game.

With baseball currently locked out, the Twins backstop hasn’t yet begun the journey to prove 2021 was again the real deal. He’s offered quips on social media, alluding to frustration there is no action, and he’s chomping at the bit with readiness to go.

I recently had the opportunity to catch up with him, and we covered a handful of topics. Here’s what Garver had to say:

Twins Daily: The 2021 season didn’t go as planned, but much of the talent there in 2019 and 2020 remained. What was the toughest aspect of the year?

Mitch Garver: The hardest part was balancing the off-field issues that many of us were dealing with. We lost our bench coach Mike Bell during spring training which affected everyone differently. There was a lot of mourning for him and his family as he was an amazing person and baseball mind. With less than a week until the regular season started, I think many of the guys that played for him really felt the hole that was empty in our organization. Early in the year, there was also a lot of concern with Covid and the social injustices in Minneapolis that were weighing heavy on our team. Covid itself was its own monster because of the strict protocols and the uncertainty of what the virus could be (as you can see from our canceled series with LA and the doubleheaders with Oakland).

TD: You dealt with some unfortunate injuries but more than established yourself as among the best catchers in baseball when you were out there. What led to the offensive resurgence last season?

MG: Baseball is such a funny sport; you can be on top of the world one week and feel like the worst hitter in baseball the next. It's a game of constant physical, mental, and emotional struggles. I had a poor showing in 2020 and didn't quite get off to the start I wanted in 2021, but with the help of our staff, I was able to feel more comfortable in the box and make some adjustments I had been needing to make. It also helps when you have such a potent offense surrounding you that some of the pressure is taken off. 

TD: With the lockout expected since the World Series, how has this offseason been different for you? Has it been challenging to prepare for a season that has an undecided start date?

MG: I think it's been difficult for a lot of guys. We, as players, want to be on the field, and some of the issues we are fighting for are for the greater good of the next generation of players. There has been obvious stalling from the league to get the season started. After locking out the players, the league waited a month and a half to meet us (players) at the bargaining table to get some things worked out. The people it hurts the most are the fans. I feel like baseball is at a really good point right now with some real star players being in their prime. We could be potentially missing out on Ohtani repeating as an MVP, we are yet to see the best of guys like Soto, Bichette, De Grom, and the list goes on and on. These are the players that have changed the game at a level of talent we have never seen before in this sport. As for me personally, my offseason program has been designed with the lockout in mind. I am currently working up to game speed by taking live at-bats and catching bullpens a few times a week. I also get a little more time with my seven-month-old son, Gamble.

TD: Eventually, the sport will return. What are you most looking forward to personally for the 2022 season? What individually would make your year a success?

MG: I know all players look to get back on the field and play the game we love. I try not to set my expectations on reaching statistical goals or accolades. My career has been riddled with some injuries over the past few years, some I can control, and others that are out of my hands. I'm doing my best to prepare my body and mind to be healthy the whole year and be on the field with my teammates. 

TD: How do the Twins get back on top of the AL Central? It’s been fun to see that rivalry with Chicago renewed.

MG: We have one of the best offenses in baseball, and when we are all on the same page, everyone 1-9 can do damage. I think we have some really good young pitching that will take a step forward this year, and I am excited to see them grow as individuals and a staff. The rivalry with Chicago is a fun one; they have a really strong team with a good offensive and a pitching staff to respect. I think we all rise to the occasion to play each other, which makes games pretty fun. 

TD: To wrap it up, what’s the one thing you’re most focused on improving for yourself in the year ahead?

MG: I have come to the point in my career where I know what I need to do each day to be successful. It started in the offseason, and as we approach the season, I am prepared for the year ahead. However many games we get to play this year, I'd like to say I have prepared in a way that allows me to stay on the field. 

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