Mariners Secure Andrew Knizner’s Signature
On December 16, the Mariners officially announced the signing of catcher Andrew Knizner to a one-year contract worth $1 million. This deal was first reported on December 12, during ongoing negotiations between Knizner and the team. If finalized, he is expected to serve as a backup to starting catcher Cal Raleigh.
Andrew Knizner’s Recent Career Overview
Knizner spent the second half of the 2025 season with the San Francisco Giants. His journey began in Triple-A with the Washington Nationals, where he was released in May. Shortly after, he signed with San Francisco and quickly joined their Major League roster. Throughout the season, Knizner played primarily behind Patrick Bailey, a two-time Gold Glove winner, limiting his playing time. He did, however, take over as the starting catcher temporarily when Bailey was sidelined due to a neck strain.
Performance Statistics
- Age: 30 (turning 31 in February)
- MLB Experience: Seven seasons with the Cardinals, Rangers, and Giants
- 2025 Season: 28 starts in 32 games, with 88 plate appearances
- Batting Average: .221 with one home run
- Lifetime Batting Line: .211/.281/.316 across approximately 1,000 plate appearances
- Trippel-A Performance: .292/.387/.443 with 583 plate appearances
- Defensive Inning Count: More than 2,200 major league innings
- Recent Defensive Ratings: Average pitch framing over the past two seasons
- Baserunner Caught Stealing Rate: 16.4% over the last four seasons
Mariners’ Catching Depth
The Mariners currently lack a second catcher on their 40-man roster following the departure of Mitch Garver to free agency and the trade of rookie Harry Ford for lefty reliever Jose A. Ferrer. Given that Knizner has more than five years of MLB service, he cannot be sent to the minors without his consent. This situation positions him as the likely number two catcher once he signs a big league deal.
Additionally, the Mariners may seek extra depth through waivers or minor league free agency. Cal Raleigh is expected to play a significant role as he started 119 games and logged 1,072 innings behind the plate this past season, trailing only J.T. Realmuto and William Contreras in workload.
Conclusion
The addition of Andrew Knizner brings valuable experience to the Mariners’ roster as they prepare for the next MLB season. His performance and catching skills will be essential as he fills the backup role behind Cal Raleigh.
