Mariners Eyeing Andrew Knizner as Backup Catcher - But Is That Enough Behind Cal Raleigh?
The Seattle Mariners are reportedly closing in on a deal with veteran catcher Andrew Knizner, and while nothing’s official yet, the news raises a pretty clear question in the Pacific Northwest: Is this really the backup plan behind Cal Raleigh?
Let’s be clear - if this is a minor depth move, there’s no harm in it. The Mariners are currently thin at catcher.
Mitch Garver is a free agent, and Harry Ford was dealt to the Nationals in the trade that brought back lefty reliever Jose A. Ferrer.
That leaves Cal Raleigh as the only catcher on the 40-man roster. And as much as fans love Big Dumper, nobody’s catching 162 games, especially not in today’s game.
So bringing in another body for spring training makes sense.
But if Knizner is more than just a camp invite - if this is a Major League deal with a real shot at being the primary backup - then the Mariners are taking a pretty big gamble.
Knizner’s Track Record: A Tough Sell on Both Sides of the Ball
Knizner’s offensive numbers don’t inspire much confidence. He slashed .221/.299/.299 in 88 plate appearances with the Giants in 2025, and his career line - .211/.281/.316 over nearly 1,000 MLB plate appearances - paints a clear picture.
This isn’t a bat-first backup who can give you a little pop off the bench. This is the kind of profile that makes you hold your breath every time Cal Raleigh takes a foul tip off the mask.
Defensively, Knizner doesn’t exactly make up the difference. His framing has been passable at times, but his blocking has been inconsistent, and his arm is average at best.
Over the last four seasons, he’s thrown out just 16.4% of attempted base stealers - a number that puts him toward the bottom of the league. In an era where the running game is back in a big way, that’s a concerning stat for any backup catcher.
Roster Implications: No Flexibility Here
Here’s the other wrinkle: if this is indeed a Major League deal, Knizner’s service time means he can’t be optioned to Triple-A without his consent. That’s not just a depth signing - that’s a 26-man roster spot. And that changes the conversation.
You’re not bringing in a guy to compete for a job or provide insurance in Tacoma. You’re essentially committing to him as your backup unless something drastic changes. That’s a big ask for a player whose ceiling at this point in his career feels firmly established.
A Former Prospect, But That Was Then
Knizner was once a top prospect - ranked No. 3 in the Cardinals’ system back in 2019 - but that was six years ago. Since then, he’s bounced around the league and never quite found his footing. If the Mariners find themselves in a tight division race come August, relying on “former prospect” pedigree to catch a bullpen game isn’t exactly the kind of depth strategy that wins you playoff spots.
What’s Next for Seattle?
If the Mariners are serious about keeping Cal Raleigh healthy and productive over a full season - and they should be - this can’t be the final move at catcher. A reunion with Mitch Garver is reportedly still on the table, and while that might not be the most exciting option, it’s at least a proven one. Garver has shown he can handle the bat and manage a staff, even if he’s not an everyday player anymore.
This is also where the Harry Ford trade stings a bit more. Ford was viewed as the catcher of the future, and moving him for bullpen help made sense in the short term. But if Knizner ends up as the No. 2 behind Raleigh, it’s going to feel like a steep drop-off - and a reminder of what the Mariners gave up.
Final Thought
There’s still time for Seattle to shore up the catching depth chart, and Knizner might end up being just one piece of a broader plan. But if this move signals anything more than spring training insurance, the Mariners are walking a fine line between depth and liability.
Cal Raleigh is the guy - no question. But what happens when he needs a breather could end up being one of the more quietly important storylines of the Mariners’ 2026 season.