Mariners Sign Andrew Knizner as Backup Catcher to Cal Raleigh

The Seattle Mariners just added some much-needed experience behind the plate, signing veteran catcher Andrew Knizner to back up starter Cal Raleigh.

This move strengthens Seattle’s depth at a critical position. It also gives their young pitching staff a boost in game-planning.

The catcher spot is brutal to cover for 162 games, and the Mariners know it. By bringing in Knizner, a 29-year-old with several big-league seasons, Seattle gets a steady backup who can step in without throwing off the pitching staff’s rhythm.

Now, instead of relying on Cal Raleigh to do everything, the Mariners have a more balanced catching duo. That should help manage workloads and keep the defense steady all year.

Mariners Add Proven Depth at Catcher

Who Is Andrew Knizner?

Knizner comes to Seattle after several years with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he played in 96 big league games. He wasn’t a star in St. Louis, but he carved out a solid role as a dependable backup and a trusted receiver for lots of different pitchers.

In his major league career, Knizner has a .231 batting average and 10 home runs. He’s not a liability at the plate, and he can chip in offensively when needed.

Defense First: Why Knizner Fits Seattle’s Plan

The Mariners have built their identity around pitching and run prevention. Knizner fits right into that approach.

His main strength is his work behind the plate. He’s got a reputation for handling pitchers, controlling the running game, and sticking to the game plan.

Seattle’s young arms need a catcher who gets how to navigate lineups and set the tempo on the mound. That’s exactly what Knizner brings.

Working With a Young Pitching Staff

Seattle’s rotation and bullpen include several pitchers still figuring things out. Their development depends on communication, trust, and quick in-game adjustments.

Knizner’s experience in St. Louis—an organization that knows pitching—should translate well. Expect his value to show up in subtle ways: framing borderline pitches, calming a rattled starter, or working through adjustments on the fly. Those details matter, even if they don’t show up in the box score.

Impact on Cal Raleigh and the Catching Hierarchy

Cal Raleigh remains Seattle’s top catcher as he enters his third full MLB season. This signing doesn’t change that.

What does change? Raleigh won’t have to grind through as many back-to-back games or play through nagging injuries. With Knizner, the Mariners can manage Raleigh’s workload and still keep things steady behind the plate.

Competition and Insurance Behind the Dish

Knizner will compete for innings not just with Raleigh, but with any other catchers the Mariners keep around or stash in Triple-A. That competition is healthy and honestly, it’s essential over a six-month season.

From a roster-building perspective, Knizner gives the Mariners some solid insurance:

Offensive Upside from the Backup Spot

Knizner’s game is built on defense, but his bat brings a little upside, too. A .231 career average and double-digit home runs show he can do some damage when he gets his pitch.

For a backup catcher, that’s what you want: decent contact, some pop, and the ability to keep an inning alive instead of being an easy out.

Veteran Presence in the Clubhouse

Off the field, Knizner adds a veteran voice to a clubhouse with rising expectations. He’s been part of a proud Cardinals organization, and that experience in a high-standard environment matters.

His presence should help bridge the gap between a maturing core and the grind of a playoff chase, especially when it comes to supporting a young pitching staff through the ups and downs.

What the Signing Signals About Seattle’s Ambitions

This move might not grab national headlines. Still, it’s the kind of strategic depth add that contending teams make when they’re serious about winning.

By locking down the backup catcher spot with a seasoned pro, the Mariners show they care about the little things. Those details can end up deciding tight division races, can’t they?

With Knizner, Seattle gets a defensively reliable, offensively capable, and clubhouse-steady catcher. He fits their identity and supports their push to play meaningful baseball late into the year.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Mariners sign catcher to back up Cal Raleigh