RADIO
Mitch Garver 2020 Outlook: An Offensive Force Stuck in a Timeshare
5 years ago2019 was a breakout year for Mitch Garver, as the catcher posted an impressive .995 OPS, albeit in a timeshare with Jason Castro. A patient hitter (35% swing rate) with solid contact skills (77% contact rate) and elite power (50% hard-hit rate), Garver should be counted on to again post an OPS well north of .800 next season. Garver’s improvements last season were most notable in his average exit velocity (91.1 MPH) and launch angle (15.3 degrees), both of which have risen in each of the past two seasons for the 29-year-old. Indeed, Garver seems to be making an effort to improve his power numbers, increasing his pull rate to a career-high 51.3% last season while putting the ball in the air more often (47.3% fly-ball rate). Overall, Garver seems to be legitimately getting better as a power hitter, maintaining a high floor and ceiling. The only aspect of Garver’s 2020 outlook holding him back from the highest echelon of catchers is the presence of Alex Avila. Avila is a superior defensive catcher and figures to hold a significant role behind the plate for the Twins. A lack of robust playing time keeps Garver in the second tier of catchers, so his current ADP between 100-120 is a fair price.
