Mariners Release Mitch Garver and Rob Refsnyder After Trade Deadline

The Seattle Mariners moved aggressively to reshape their active roster following the league’s trade deadline, parting ways with two veteran players who struggled to find their footing this season. The organization announced the outright releases of both Mitch Garver and Rob Refsnyder, clearing roster space for fresh additions as the club looks to secure another American League West title over the final two months of the regular season, Seattletimes.

Roster Turnover After the Trade Deadline

The moves come on the heels of a busy period of transactions for the front office. The Mariners welcomed Taylor Ward and Seranthony Domínguez to the active roster ahead of a series opener against the Detroit Tigers.

Domínguez arrived via a deal with the Chicago White Sox and brings a much-needed bullpen arm to a club that operated one man short for more than two months while carrying a six-man starting rotation. Mariners manager Dan Wilson noted the addition of a reliable relief option brings experienced leverage performance to the bullpen.

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“Any time you can add someone that’s had experience in leverage situations, that’s always a big boost. And we will look to put him in those situations.”

Dan Wilson, Mariners manager

Meanwhile, utilityman Brendan Donovan finally returned from the 10-day injured list after missing time since May 15 due to a left groin muscle strain, stepping straight into the starting lineup at third base.

Unfulfilled Expectations for Offseason Signings

Both Garver and Refsnyder joined the club as notable offseason additions intended to bolster the lineup, but neither veteran managed to produce consistent results. Refsnyder signed a one-year, $6.25-million free-agent contract last December with the expectation that his strong career track record against left-handed pitching would balance a lefty-heavy Seattle batting order.

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That plan did not materialize on the field. Refsnyder batted just .140 with four home runs and 11 RBIs across 53 games, hampered significantly by chronic knee issues that required a stint on the injured list from late June to late July. His offensive struggles were particularly pronounced at T-Mobile Park, where he hit .069 with 17 strikeouts over 58 at-bats.

Garver’s departure ends a three-year tenure with the organization that saw him initially return on a minor league contract in February following a push from teammate Cal Raleigh, before securing a guaranteed $2.25 million salary once making the active roster. While widely praised for his clubhouse presence, rapport with young pitchers, and elite performance in ABS challenges behind the plate, Garver struggled offensively. He appeared in 50 games this season, batting .175 with four home runs and 15 RBIs, and saw his playing time dip dramatically after Raleigh returned from an injury in June.

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Pereda Steps Back Into Backup Catcher Role

With Garver off the roster, the Mariners recalled catcher Jhonny Pereda from Triple-A Tacoma to resume duties as Raleigh’s primary backup. Pereda previously made a strong impression during a 19-game stint earlier in the year while Raleigh was sidelined, batting .270 with two home runs and four RBIs.