Mitch Garver hasn't been with the Minnesota Twins since 2021, but the news of his retirement still feels like the end of an era . He has always been a fan favorite in Minnesota and played a key role on the 2019 "Bomba Squad" team that set the single-season home run record, accounting for 31 of Minnesota's 307 home runs. Unfortunately, he has dealt with various injuries, but he still had a solid 10-year career in the majors, collecting 110 home runs and 324 RBI over 701 games. He won the 2019 Silver Slugger Award for American League catchers and the 2023 World Series with the Texas Rangers.
With Ryan Jeffers likely leaving in free agency, Garver's retirement feels even more like the end of an era. Although Garver last played for the Twins a half-decade ago, fans will miss his presence in the league. Now, it appears Jeffers will take Garver's spot as a beloved former Twins catcher on another team.
The Twins will likely extend Jeffers a qualifying offer , which will be $23.15 million. Teams can give the QO to a player who has never received it before and spent the entire 2026 season on the club's roster. Jeffers will most likely turn down the QO to sign a multi-year free-agent deal with another team, giving the Twins draft pick compensation.
Jeffers could accept the QO in case owners are reluctant to make big signings ahead of the looming lockout. However, the last lockout (2021) saw teams make several major signings right before it. More likely than not, Jeffers will test free agency.
If Jeffers declines the QO, the Twins could also sign him to a multi-year contract. Control person Tom Pohlad said he plans to give the front office the resources it needs to be competitive next year, implying a payroll increase is coming . Re-signing Jeffers could be the organization's big offseason splash.
However, with top-catching prospect Vahn Lackey in the minors, Minnesota likely won't want to sign a catcher to a long-term deal. If the Twins don't retain Jeffers, they'll still need to add another catcher for the short term, as Victor Caratini will be the only backstop on the 40-man roster this offseason.
The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers are big-market teams that could use catching help. Additionally, the Philadelphia Phillies plan to reduce J.T. Realmuto's time behind the plate , making Jeffers a possible target.
This article was originally published on www.puckettspond.com as Twins face end of an era at catcher as Mitch Garver retires, Ryan Jeffers nears free agency .
