Rockies Add Depth, Sign Veteran Catcher to Minor League Deal

The Colorado Rockies have signed veteran catcher Andrew Knizner to a minor league contract.

I forgot to send this out earlier, but this confirms that C Andrew Knizner has reached a Minor League contract with the #Rockies and reported to the @ABQTopes. https://t.co/Vz5ozvQYhp
— Thomas Harding (@harding_at_mlb) April 2, 2026

Knizner will be wearing a fifth different uniform in his big league career. He has spent time with the St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers, San Francisco Giants, and Seattle Mariners.

Knizner Doesn’t Generate Enough Offense

Seattle Mariners catcher Andrew Knizner | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The 31-year-old catcher was selected in the 2016 MLB draft in the 7th round by the Cardinals. Knizner is not considered an everyday player. He’s more of a backup option and someone who can come off the bench.

Offensively, he hasn’t been very effective throughout his career. Knizner’s best abilities are on defense behind the plate. Knizner is a catcher who can work with any pitching rotation. He can handle different pitchers and pitching selection. In addition, he brings veteran presence/leadership.

The most games he has played were 97 games during the 2022 season with the Cardinals. He’s never hit higher than .250 in his career. Knizner has a career lifetime slashing of .211/.281/.316 and a .597 OPS with 19 home runs and 90 RBIs.

Reliability and durability can earn any player opportunities to contribute in many areas. Coaches love players who are not afraid to take on different challenges and humble enough to change positions. In Knizner’s situation, he can easily step in as a backup catcher for any team and has a tremendous work ethic.

During his minor league experience, he can hit a little better for contact compare to the major league level. However, it’s been quite a rollercoaster for him to find a stable place in the lineup in the last three seasons. From a veteran and defense standpoint, it’s a solid addition for Colorado. He can be a great mentor to younger players in the minors, such as Braxton Fulford, who have been assigned there.

Knizner getting to work with a player like Fulford could be great. Fulford might receive some encouraging words from someone a little older and more experienced than him.

Knizner knows what that feels like. He recently got let go by the Seattle Mariners after signing with them in December. The deal was for one million. Knizner would’ve been the backup option to Cal Raleigh, but the Mariners decided to go with Mitch Garver, and Garver won the backup job.

There’s a new chapter now. Knizner has a new opportunity with the Rockies. Let’s see if he can somehow have a turnover this season. He has strong hands and good bat speed. If he wants to make this season count, he would need to produce well at the plate and raise his numbers.