While the Dodgers were looking to add Japanese talent from their generation, the Nationals made the move. They signed Andrew Knizner. minor league contract Includes an invitation to spring training. Knizner was Yadier Molina’s longtime replacement in St. Louis and has plenty of major league experience.
He’s coming off a disastrous 2024 in which he hit 90 with the Rangers and couldn’t hit a beach ball. But he was a very solid backup catcher for the Cardinals in 2023. he hit He hit 10 home runs and had a solid OPS of .712.
Like Franchy Cordero, he has a chance to compete for a roster spot, but is not a candidate for the team. Riley Adams and Drew Millas will both be on the opening day team with Knizner on the inside track.
Knizner is a Virginia native, so this is a homecoming for the soon-to-be 30-year-old. One caveat is that Knizner doesn’t have a choice, so if he makes the big league roster, they’ll have to DFA him if they decide to let him go.
Knizner is another low-risk move to fill the organization and add depth. He has a lot of major league experience and could be a good mentor to Rochester’s young pitchers if the worst happens.
