Mariners Near Agreement with Veteran Backup Catcher Andrew Knizner
SEATTLE — The Mariners are close to finalizing a deal to add veteran free-agent catcher Andrew Knizner, according to industry sources cited by The Seattle Times.
A contract has not been finalized as of Friday afternoon.
Knizner, 30, would slide into the backup role behind Cal Raleigh, a spot that opened after Seattle traded top catching prospect Harry Ford to the Washington Nationals last week in exchange for left-handed reliever Jose Ferrer.
Knizner was non-tendered by the San Francisco Giants last month.
He has spent parts of seven major league seasons, the bulk of his time with the St. Louis Cardinals in the first five years. His standout season came in 2023, when he appeared in 70 games for St. Louis, belted 10 home runs, posted a .712 OPS, and accumulated 1.0 bWAR.
Last season, he appeared in 35 games for the Texas Rangers and followed with 33 appearances for the Giants this year.
