### Mariners Secure Veteran Catcher Andrew Knizner to Bolster Roster Depth The Seattle Mariners have made a strategic move to enhance their catching depth by signing veteran catcher Andrew Knizner to a one-year contract worth $1 million. This decision comes in the wake of the trade of top catching prospect Harry Ford to the Washington Nationals, necessitating a reliable backup for All-Star Cal Raleigh. Knizner, who has seven years of Major League experience, is recognized for his defensive skills, having not allowed a passed ball in over 234 innings last season. His signing is seen as a crucial step in solidifying the Mariners' roster for the upcoming 2026 season [https://apnews.com/article/knizner-mariners-contract-ee5df33130d3e1b615ee4de3406ae3e8]. ### Breakdown of the Mariners' Catching Situation and Knizner's Role 1. **Need for Catching Depth**: - The Mariners traded Harry Ford, their top catching prospect, to acquire left-handed reliever Jose Ferrer, creating a gap in their catching lineup [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/seattle-mariners-reportedly-had-interest-180000576.html]. 2. **Signing of Andrew Knizner**: - Knizner's contract is a one-year deal valued at $1 million, with potential performance bonuses based on plate appearances [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/after_finally_signing_with_the_mariners_andrew_knizner_is_in_the_fold_for_2026/s1_17042_43215716]. 3. **Knizner's Career Overview**: - Over his seven-year career, Knizner has played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers, and San Francisco Giants, with a career batting average of .211 and a reputation as a defensive specialist [https://www.freedom969.com/national-sports/mariners-sign-c-andrew-knizner-to-1-year-contract]. 4. **Impact on the Mariners' Roster**: - Knizner is expected to serve as a reliable backup to Cal Raleigh, who was a runner-up for the American League MVP, thus ensuring the Mariners have a solid catching option for the 2026 season [https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/dec/16/mariners-sign-andrew-knizner-to-back-up-cal-raleig]. ### Key Statistics and Performance Metrics - **Contract Details**: - **Base Salary**: $1 million - **Performance Bonuses**: Up to $100,000 based on plate appearances, with additional bonuses for reaching 200 and 250 appearances [https://apnews.com/article/knizner-mariners-contract-ee5df33130d3e1b615ee4de3406ae3e8]. - **2025 Performance**: - **Games Played**: 33 - **Batting Average**: .221 - **Home Runs**: 1 - **RBIs**: 5 - **Defensive Performance**: No passed balls in 234 innings [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/mariners_finalize_signing_that_boosts_catching_depth/s1_17016_43214213]. ### Conclusion: Mariners' Strategic Move for 2026 Season In summary, the Seattle Mariners have taken a significant step to enhance their roster by signing Andrew Knizner as a backup catcher. This move addresses the need for depth following the trade of Harry Ford and positions the team for a competitive 2026 season. 1. **Strategic Signing**: The Mariners secured Knizner to fill a critical role in their lineup. 2. **Defensive Reliability**: Knizner's strong defensive track record adds value to the team. 3. **Future Outlook**: With Knizner backing up Cal Raleigh, the Mariners are better equipped for the upcoming season [https://www.fox13seattle.com/sports/seattle-mariners-sign-catcher-andrew-knizner].