Mariners ink catcher Andrew Knizner on a one-year, $1 million pact
SEATTLE (AP) — Catcher Andrew Knizner and the Seattle Mariners finalized a contract worth $1 million for one season on Tuesday.
The 30-year-old can add up to $100,000 in performance bonuses tied to plate appearances, with an extra $50,000 each at the 200- and 250-PA thresholds.
Knizner has logged parts of seven major league seasons, playing for the St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers, and San Francisco Giants. In 33 games with the Giants this year, he hit .221 with 12 runs scored, one double, one triple, one homer, five RBIs, and seven walks. Defensively, he caught 234 innings without permitting a single passed ball.
Earlier this month, Seattle traded catcher prospect Harry Ford to Washington, along with pitcher Isaac Lyon, in exchange for left-handed reliever Jose A. Ferrer. The Mariners also chose not to re-sign Mitch Garver, who had served as a backup to AL MVP runner-up Cal Raleigh.
Knizner is expected to serve as Raleigh’s backup next season. Over 323 major league games, Knizner holds a .211 career batting average, with 33 doubles, one triple, 19 home runs, 90 RBIs, four stolen bases, and 70 walks.
Notes:
- This move positions Knizner as a veteran complement behind Raleigh, rather than a full-time starter.
- Knizner’s defensive reliability—no passed balls in 234 innings—adds value beyond his bat.
- The team’s mid-season trades and re-signing strategy reflect a broader effort to balance youth with seasoned depth at catching and bullpen roles.
