New York Yankees add catcher Mitch Garver amid trade‑deadline criticism

The New York Yankees signed veteran right‑handed catcher Mitch Garver to a minor‑league contract after the Seattle Mariners designated him for assignment. Garver, who posted a .175 batting average and .596 OPS in 50 games this season, was compared by fans to the struggling rookie Austin Wells, with many questioning the value of the move.

General manager Brian Cashman also faced criticism for the Yankees' overall trade‑deadline activity. In addition to Garver, the club acquired outfielder Heliot Ramos and left‑handed power hitter Luis García Jr., but still left key needs unfilled, notably a catcher, right‑handed bat, and bullpen help. Injuries to star Aaron Judge have compounded the roster challenges, and limited availability of impact players hampered the Yankees' ability to address those gaps.