The Mariners didn’t need to make a big splash at catcher this offseason - not with Cal Raleigh entrenched as one of the most durable and productive backstops in the game. But every team needs depth, and Seattle filled that need by signing Andrew Knizner to a one-year, $1 million deal. It’s a quiet move, but one that reflects a clear organizational strategy: Raleigh is the guy, and the backup just needs to be serviceable.
Knizner, now entering his sixth MLB season, has spent his entire big league career as a second-string catcher. He’s logged 975 plate appearances with a career 68 wRC+, meaning his bat hasn’t been much of a factor.
And defensively, the numbers don’t paint a much better picture - -21 Defensive Runs Saved over nearly 2,300 innings behind the plate. That’s not exactly gold glove territory.
But here’s the thing: the Mariners aren’t asking Knizner to be a game-changer. They’re asking him to be available, to handle a pitching staff when needed, and to give Raleigh the occasional day off without the wheels falling off. In that context, Knizner fits the bill.
Still, it’s hard not to think about what could’ve been. According to a report from Ken Rosenthal, Seattle had interest in free agent Danny Jansen before he signed a two-year, $14.5 million deal with the Texas Rangers. That would’ve been a different kind of move - one with real upside.
Jansen had a solid 2025 campaign, finishing with a 103 wRC+ and six Defensive Runs Saved. After being traded to Milwaukee at the deadline, he played a key role in the Brewers’ playoff push.
In Texas, he’s expected to split time fairly evenly with Kyle Higashioka. Had he landed in Seattle, though, the situation would’ve looked different.
With Raleigh firmly in place as the starter, Jansen would’ve likely spent more time at designated hitter - a role similar to what Mitch Garver played in previous seasons.
But that kind of flexibility comes at a price, and the Mariners clearly weren’t willing to match the $14.5 million that Texas put on the table. It’s also worth noting that Seattle already has left-handed bats like Dominic Canzone and Luke Raley who can rotate through the DH spot. So, while Jansen might’ve offered more value overall, the fit wasn’t quite perfect - at least not at that cost.
Instead, the Mariners opted for a lower-risk, lower-cost option in Knizner. General manager Justin Hollander has emphasized the importance of organizational catching depth, and while Knizner may not move the needle much, he does provide a veteran presence behind the plate.
And looking ahead, the club has a potential long-term solution on the horizon in Luke Stevenson, their 35th overall pick in the 2025 draft. Stevenson could debut as early as 2026, giving the team a young, controllable option to pair with or eventually succeed Raleigh.
So no, Knizner’s signing isn’t going to light up the hot stove. But it doesn’t have to.
He’s not the main course - he’s the reliable side dish. And with Raleigh doing the heavy lifting, that’s more than enough for now.