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Seattle Mariners appear poised to reshape their catching depth as the offseason unfolds, with a notable shift in focus following Mitch Garver’s move into free agency. While Garver served as Seattle’s primary backup catcher last season, recent developments suggest the organization is exploring alternative options behind the plate rather than prioritizing a reunion.
Mariners re-evaluate catching depth
Seattle’s need at catcher has become more pronounced after trading former top prospect Harry Ford to the Washington Nationals. With Ford no longer in the system and Garver unsigned, Mariners are left with a clear vacancy behind everyday catcher Cal Raleigh. Raleigh remains one of the most heavily relied-upon players on the roster, making a dependable veteran backup a critical roster piece rather than a luxury.
Although Garver was viewed internally as a possible return candidate, momentum appears to have shifted in a different direction. Reports indicate Seattle Mariners are now actively engaged in discussions with veteran catcher Andrew Knizner, signaling a strategic pivot in their offseason planning.
Andrew Knizner emerges as key target
Knizner, 30, brings extensive big-league experience despite never being a full-time starter. Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the seventh round of the 2016 MLB Draft, he climbed through the system to serve as longtime All-Star Yadier Molina’s understudy. That role allowed Knizner to gain valuable experience handling pitching staffs and operating within high-pressure environments.
Across five seasons with St. Louis, Knizner appeared in 255 games, posting a .216 batting average with 17 home runs and a .621 OPS. While his offensive production was modest, his defensive reliability and familiarity with a backup role made him a trusted presence.
Recent seasons and rebound effort
Knizner’s career took a challenging turn in 2024 with the Texas Rangers, where limited opportunities and struggles at the plate resulted in a .167 average over 35 games. However, his 2025 stint with the San Francisco Giants showed signs of stabilization. In 33 games, Knizner hit .221, offering enough consistency to reestablish himself as a viable major-league option.
Offense has never been Knizner’s defining trait, but evaluators continue to view him as steady defensively with strong game-management skills. Those qualities often carry significant weight for teams seeking a low-maintenance backup catcher capable of supporting a frontline starter.
Fit with Seattle’s roster construction
For Seattle Mariners, Knizner represents a practical fit. Cal Raleigh is expected to remain in the lineup most nights, leaving limited at-bats for the backup role. In that context, Seattle appears to be prioritizing dependability, experience, and clubhouse presence over upside or offensive ceiling.
If negotiations progress, Knizner would offer Mariners a veteran option who understands his role and can step in without disrupting the pitching staff’s rhythm. With Garver’s future unresolved, Seattle’s interest in Knizner underscores a clear intent to finalize catching depth sooner rather than later.
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