Rangers fans face bittersweet moment as 2023 hero receives World Series ring

The Texas Rangers received their World Series rings earlier this season, but not every participant from the 2023 championship team is still in the organization. Between free agency, trades, retirements, and other other transactions, a few players have yet to get their hands on the hardware.

One such player is Mitch Garver. The slugger landed in Arlington back in 2022 after his tenure with the Minnesota Twins. The Rangers sent Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Ronny Henriquez to the Twin Cities in exchange for Garver.

Garver was a free agent this past offseason and signed a two-year, $24 million contract with the Rangers' AL West nemesis, the Seattle Mariners. The Rangers hosted the M's on Tuesday night, and though he now plays for a division rival, Garver was honored and given his World Series ring before the game.

Rangers fans face bittersweet moment as Mitch Garver receives World Series ring

During an on-the-field ceremony prior to first pitch, Garver joined his former manager Bruce Bochy and was handed his decorative championship ring. Garver can now admire the jewel studded accessory that is dotted with diamonds, sapphires, and the "T" logo in the center of the ring.

Garver brought a mixed bag to Texas during his two seasons with the Rangers. In 2022, Garver hit just .202 with a .702 OPS and 10 home runs. Last season, however, he became a key contributor on the Rangers roster. Garver hit .270/.370/.500 with a 17.4% chase rate. He also homered three times and drove in 14 runs across 14 playoff games, en route to the Rangers' triumph.

Garver's first season in SeaTown has not gotten off to a great start, though. He's hitting just .150/.288/.250 with just one home run. He's done a good job of drawing walks this season, but the numbers he's putting up with the Mariners are very similar to his first year in Arlington, which also makes Rangers fans feel a little bit bad ... until they realize he's in the opposing dugout.

The Rangers were blanked by the Mariners on Tuesday night, so Garver and his new team got the last laugh. In his return to Texas, Garver went 0-for-3 with a walk and two strikeouts. The Rangers will be looking for better results on Wednesday without such mixed feelings.

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