The San Francisco Giants just made a calculated move by cutting ties with veteran catcher Andrew Knizner. They based the decision on both performance and financial reasons.
After seven seasons in the Majors, Knizner—who joined the Giants in 2024—finds himself designated for assignment. The club wants a cheaper backup for starting catcher Patrick Bailey.
Knizner showed some offensive improvement in the second half, but his overall production and defensive stats didn’t lock in his spot. Now, as free agency approaches, the 30-year-old is searching for his next chance before spring training.
San Francisco Giants Shift Focus Behind the Plate
The Giants’ catching depth chart took shape early, with Patrick Bailey stepping up as the clear starter. That left Knizner in a supporting role—a spot the organization doesn’t see as necessary anymore, especially with cheaper backup options out there.
This move comes during Major League Baseball’s roster-trimming period, just before the deadline to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players. The timing’s no coincidence.
Knizner’s 2024 Performance: A Tale of Two Halves
Knizner’s season really split in two. Over 33 games, he posted a modest .598 OPS with one home run and five RBIs.
After the All-Star break, his bat finally woke up—he hit .306 with a 137 wRC+, a clear offensive jump. He also posted a career-low strikeout rate of 11.4%, showing off better plate discipline than before.
Defensive Metrics Tell Another Story
On defense, Knizner posted a fielding run value of zero. Basically, he didn’t add or subtract from the team’s run prevention.
His pop time to second base—a big deal for catchers—came in below average at 2.0 seconds. In today’s game, teams want their catchers to shine defensively, and those numbers just didn’t cut it for the Giants.
The Mechanics of His Departure
According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Giants plan to designate Knizner for assignment (DFA) before Friday’s tender deadline. Whether he clears waivers and hits free agency, or gets non-tendered, he’ll be free to negotiate with anyone.
Market Outlook as Free Agency Begins
Knizner’s got experience with the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers, so he knows both leagues. That improved hitting after the break might catch the eye of clubs looking for a veteran spark.
Still, with those defensive numbers and at age 30, teams will have to think hard about whether he fits their plans for 2025.
Potential Fits and Future Opportunities
Knizner won’t land the kind of contracts that top-tier catchers get, but he’s still valuable as a seasoned backup. He could fit with rebuilding teams that need a mentor for young pitchers.
Or maybe playoff hopefuls want to add some bench depth without spending big. There’s a few possibilities:
- Teams wanting a veteran presence in the clubhouse
- Organizations with young, developing catchers
- Playoff contenders looking for experienced insurance behind the plate
Final Thoughts
Andrew Knizner’s exit from San Francisco marks another turning point in a career that’s really been all about adaptability. The Giants made a tough call here, showing just how thin the margins can get when MLB teams build a roster.
Brief offensive surges? Sometimes they just don’t carry enough weight over a whole season. With spring training only a few months away, the catcher market’s bound to get pretty interesting.
Knizner’s second-half numbers looked better, so maybe he’ll get a shot to compete for a roster spot somewhere else. It’s a weird, unpredictable business—sometimes that next chapter pops up when you least expect it.
The Giants now have more payroll flexibility and can lean into Patrick Bailey as their main catcher for 2025. As for Knizner, maybe he’ll turn that late-season momentum into a real opportunity with a new team. Baseball’s funny like that.
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Here is the source article for this story: Giants reportedly cutting ties with 7-year veteran backstop
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