SEATTLE, WA — In a surprising but strategic move, the Seattle Mariners are very close to signing veteran catcher Andrew Knizner to a Major League contract, according to internal sources from MLB Network and the Seattle Times. This is one of the hottest moves of the MLB transfer season and could profoundly shape the Mariners’ roster for the upcoming 2026 season.
Sources indicate that while the contract is not yet officially finalized — pending a final medical examination — negotiations have progressed rapidly and the team is almost certain to add Knizner to the starting roster. If confirmed, Knizner would become the official starting reserve catcher behind All-Star Cal Raleigh, solidifying a crucial position the Mariners have left vacant following recent moves.
Andrew Knizner, who will turn 30 in February, is no stranger to baseball. He has spent seven seasons in MLB, playing for the St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers, and San Francisco Giants — though he never truly became a big star, he was known as a locker room leader and a reliable catcher from the backcourt.
In the 2025 season with the Giants, Knizner played 33 games, hitting one home run and five RBIs in 88 appearances, but his defensive and offensive performances led the Giants to release him, placing him on the free agent market.
The Mariners are desperate for more depth in the backcourt — especially after they traded catching prospect Harry Ford to the Nationals for left-field pitcher Jose Ferrer. This opened up a significant void behind Cal Raleigh, who just had one of the best seasons of his career.
With a host of relatively inexperienced internal choices (like Luke Stevenson, a 21-year-old prospect), the team can’t risk placing too much pressure on young players. This is why Knizner is the strongest candidate at this point, despite his previous criticism of his defensive and offensive abilities.
Some experts believe signing Knizner is just a “temporary addition” rather than a major turning point. It’s true that with Knizner, you don’t get a top-tier slugger or catcher—but you get experience, stability, and someone who can help the team navigate the grueling cycles of the long MLB season.
Furthermore, this also signals the Mariners’ attitude toward the 2026 season: not putting all your eggs in one basket, but making smart and practical additions to preserve the core strength of the roster. Raleigh, Julio Rodríguez, J.P. Crawford and Luis Castillo are both irreplaceable pieces — and Knizner can help them “rest at the right time” without disrupting their rhythm.
The biggest question now is: Will the Mariners turn Knizner into a “formidable backup catcher” or just a temporary replacement? If he shines beyond expectations — especially in Spring Training — Knizner could become the most interesting wildcard in the lineup.
All eyes are now on the Mariners: they’ve found the “missing piece” — but is this a decisive move for next season or just a temporary solution? Time will tell.
Leave a Reply