The Sacramento River Cats added a fresh face to their roster on Wednesday, welcoming experienced catcher and former St. Louis Cardinal, Andrew Knizner. The move comes via a minor league contract, as noted in the team’s recent transactions.
Knizner made an immediate impact, going 3-for-5 with two doubles and three RBIs in an 8-1 rout of the Oklahoma City Comets. Previously with the Washington Nationals’ Triple-A affiliate, he opted out of his contract earlier this week, paving the way for his arrival in Sacramento.
This addition could signal more moves ahead. The River Cats already feature catchers Max Stassi and Logan Porter.
Stassi, who ended last season on the White Sox’s 40-man roster without appearing in a game, signed with San Francisco on a minor league deal this past offseason that includes several opt-out clauses — the next one being June 1.
If he exercises it, the Giants must add him to the 40-man roster or let him walk as a free agent. That decision could have implications for current Giants backup Sam Huff.
While the situation continues to evolve, Knizner brings valuable veteran presence and offensive potential to Sacramento. The 30-year-old owns an .821 OPS in Triple-A over several seasons and was off to a hot start with the Nationals affiliate earlier this year.
He also brings six seasons of MLB experience, highlighted by a solid 2023 campaign with the Cardinals, in which he hit .712 with 10 home runs. Although not known for his defensive skills, Knizner is expected to share catching duties with Stassi and Porter in Sacramento for the time being.
