Twins face end of an era at catcher as Mitch Garver retires, Ryan Jeffers nears free agency

Former Minnesota Twins catcher Mitch Garver has retired from Major League Baseball, while current catcher Ryan Jeffers approaches free agency. Jackson Kruse writes that Garver's retirement and Jeffers' expected departure signal the end of an era behind the plate for Minnesota. Garver concluded a 10-year major-league career that included 110 home runs, a 2019 Silver Slugger Award, and a 2023 World Series title with the Texas Rangers.

The Twins are expected to extend Jeffers a $23.15 million qualifying offer, though Kruse expects him to decline it to seek a multi-year deal elsewhere. Minnesota's reluctance to commit long-term may stem from top prospect Vahn Lackey nearing the majors, leaving Victor Caratini as the club's only other roster catcher.