Giants Add Former Cardinals Catcher Andrew Knizner on Minor League Deal to Strengthen Depth
By Jeff Young | May 23, 2025
The Sacramento River Cats, Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, added a new name to their roster this week. Veteran catcher and former St. Louis Cardinal Andrew Knizner has signed a minor league deal with the organization, according to the team’s transaction log.
Knizner made an immediate impact in his debut with Sacramento, going 3-for-5 with two doubles and three RBIs in an 8-1 win over the Oklahoma City Comets. He had started the year with the Washington Nationals’ Triple-A team but recently opted out of that contract to pursue new opportunities.
This addition could signal a potential roster shake-up on the horizon. Sacramento already features two other catchers — Max Stassi and Logan Porter. Stassi, who ended 2024 on the Chicago White Sox’s 40-man roster despite not playing, joined the Giants on a minor league deal this offseason. His contract includes several opt-out dates, with the next one approaching on June 1. If he isn’t added to the 40-man roster by then, he can elect free agency.
Should the Giants choose to promote Stassi, it might force a roster move involving current big league backup Sam Huff. However, this situation may resolve itself soon, as Stassi has appeared in just one game since returning from injury.
In the meantime, Knizner brings valuable experience to the River Cats. He owns an impressive .821 OPS over multiple Triple-A seasons, including a scorching 1.016 OPS this year with the Nationals’ affiliate prior to opting out.
At the major league level, Knizner has logged six seasons, mostly with St. Louis. He holds a career .596 OPS without notable platoon splits. His best season came in 2023, when he posted a .712 OPS with 10 home runs and 31 RBIs over 241 plate appearances.
Defensively, the 30-year-old is serviceable but limited. While he occasionally grades out as a decent pitch framer, he struggles with blocking and throw-outs. For now, Knizner joins Stassi and Porter in handling catching duties for Sacramento, offering the Giants added depth and some offensive potential.
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