The Seattle Mariners are looking for a backup catcher.
Last season's backup, Mitch Garver, is a free agent. And they traded Harry Ford to the Washington Nationals.
Garver seemed like he had a chance to return, but as of Friday evening, the Mariners evidently had their eye on someone else.
Chris Cotillo of MassLive reports that the Mariners are in negotiations with Andrew Knizner to secure his signature.
Knizner is a 30-year old catcher who entered pro ball as a seventh-round draft pick of the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2016 MLB Draft.
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Knizner originally made it to the major leagues as Yadier Molina's backup.
In five seasons with St. Louis, Knizner played in 255 games. He batted.216 and hit 17 home runs, finishing his Cardinals tenure with a.621 OPS.
Knizner went to the Texas Rangers for 2024, and he struggled mightily, hitting just.167 in 35 games.
That led him to the San Francisco Giants for 2025, where he rebounded a bit, batting.221 in 33 games.
Knizner's bat will never be his main calling card, but he's solid behind the plate and a good veteran presence.
The Mariners obviously need Cal Raleigh and on the field most days. Knizner wouldn't be a bad guy to have behind him, though.
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