Andrew Knizner

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name = Andrew Knizner

|image = Andrew Knizner (47701333391) (cropped).jpg

|image_size = 240px

|caption = Knizner with the Memphis Redbirds in 2019

|team = San Francisco Giants

|number = 21

|position = Catcher

|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1995|2|3}}

|birth_place = Glen Allen, Virginia, U.S.

|bats = Right

|throws = Right

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = June 2

|debutyear = 2019

|debutteam = St. Louis Cardinals

|statyear = June 11, 2025

|statleague = MLB

|stat1label = Batting average

|stat1value = .207

|stat2label = Home runs

|stat2value = 18

|stat3label = Runs batted in

|stat3value = 85

|teams =

St. Louis Cardinals ({{mlby|2019}}–{{mlby|2023}})
Texas Rangers ({{mlby|2024}})
San Francisco Giants ({{mlby|2025}}–present)

}}

Andrew Robert Knizner ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|k|ɪ|z|n|ə|r}} {{respell|KIZ|nər}};[https://www.ozarkradionews.com/ozarkradionews/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/BuschStadiumSummerCampRoster6.28.20.pdf St. Louis Cardinals 2020 Busch Stadium Summer Camp Roster.] Retrieved May 16, 2023. born February 3, 1995) is an American professional baseball catcher for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers.

Amateur career

Knizner attended [[Hanover High School (Mechanicsville, Virginia)|Hanover High School

]] in Mechanicsville, Virginia.{{cite news|last=Phillips|first=Michael|date=July 15, 2018|url=https://www.richmond.com/sports/professional/baseball/for-hanover-grad-andrew-knizner-futures-game-appearance-a-tribute/article_25009b2d-68c4-5f7e-b0eb-451d11162050.html|title=For Hanover grad Andrew Knizner, Futures game appearance a tribute to hard work|work=Richmond Times-Dispatch|access-date=February 27, 2019}}{{subscription required}} During his senior year, he was captain of the school's baseball team while batting .453 with five home runs, leading Hanover to a Virginia Class AAA state championship.{{cite web|url=http://gopack.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=475|title=Andrew Knizner - 2014 - North Carolina State University|website=gopack.com|access-date=November 29, 2018}} After graduating, he attended North Carolina State University where he played college baseball for the NC State Wolfpack.{{cite web|url=http://www.richmond.com/news/local/hanover/mechanicsville-local/sports/knizner-and-casey-set-on-acc-path/article_12e1f653-85f2-500f-9602-c3c15dd83c70.html |title=Knizner and Casey set on ACC path | Sports |publisher=richmond.com |date=August 21, 2012 |access-date=August 27, 2017}} Knizner was named to the Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American team.{{Cite web|url=https://gopack.com/news/2014/6/4/Knizner_Named_Freshman_All_America|title=Knizner Named Freshman All-America|website=NC State University Athletics}} Prior to his sophomore season, he switched from third base to catcher.{{cite web|url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/mlb/article20044053.html |title=NC State catcher adjusts to life behind the plate |publisher=Charlotte Observer |date=May 1, 2015 |access-date=August 27, 2017}}{{cite web|author=Nick Friar Contributing Writer |url=http://www.southcoasttoday.com/article/20150708/SPORTS/150709443 |title=Wareham Gatemen: Andrew Knizner is taking his second position change in three years in stride - Sports - southcoasttoday.com - New Bedford, MA |publisher=southcoasttoday.com |date= |access-date=August 27, 2017}} In 2014 and 2015, he played collegiate summer baseball in the Cape Cod Baseball League for the Wareham Gatemen.{{cite web|author= |url=http://baseball.pointstreak.com/player.html?playerid=639576&seasonid=26713 |title=Andrew Knizner |publisher=pointstreak.com |date= |access-date=September 25, 2019}}{{cite web|author= |url=http://pointstreak.com/baseball/player.html?playerid=744820&seasonid=29031 |title=#6 Andrew Knizner - Profile |publisher=pointstreak.com |date= |access-date=September 25, 2019}} As a junior, he batted .292 with six home runs and 30 RBIs, along with compiling a .991 fielding percentage and throwing out 16 of 37 base runners attempting to steal.{{cite web|url=http://www.richmond.com/sports/college/baseball/former-hanover-standout-knizner-among-state-players-picked-in-mlb/article_f06d8fd4-a3c6-5561-bd63-93d6ba72b982.html|title=Former Hanover standout Knizner among state players picked in MLB draft Friday|first=TIM PEARRELL Richmond|last=Times-Dispatch|date=June 10, 2016 |publisher=|access-date=November 29, 2018}} After his junior year, Knizner was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the seventh round of the 2016 Major League Baseball draft.{{cite web|url=http://www.richmond.com/st-louis-cardinals-draft-andrew-knizner/image_f93ed2be-35d2-11e6-935e-777d1063e8dc.html|title=St. Louis Cardinals draft Andrew Knizner|first=Charlie|last=Leffler|date=June 15, 2016 |publisher=|access-date=November 29, 2018}}

Professional career

=St. Louis Cardinals=

Knizner signed with St. Louis and made his professional debut with the Johnson City Cardinals and posted a .319 batting average with six home runs and 42 runs batted in (RBI) in 53 games. He was named to the Appalachian League postseason All-Star team.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-41751914|title=Postseason All-Star Teams - Appalachian League Content|website=Appalachian League|access-date=November 29, 2018}} He started 2017 with the Peoria Chiefs and was the starting catcher in the Midwest League All-Star Game.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/peoria/news/chiefs-land-five-on-all-star-team-234930452|title=Chiefs Land Five on All-Star Team|website=Minor League Baseball|access-date=November 29, 2018}} In June, he was promoted to the Double-A Springfield Cardinals, skipping the High-A Palm Beach Cardinals.{{cite web|author=Dave Eminian |url=http://www.pjstar.com/sports/20170513/chiefs-catcher-knizner-hit-despite-4-0-loss-to-cubs |title=Chiefs catcher Knizner a hit despite 4-0 loss to Cubs - Sports - Journal Star - Peoria, IL |publisher=Pjstar.com |date= |access-date=August 27, 2017}}{{cite web|last=Forde |first=Mitchell |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/class-aa-catcher-knizner-just-keeps-getting-better/article_e67659f5-2e86-581f-8bd8-60649e9d759a.html |title=Class AA catcher Knizner just keeps getting better | St. Louis Cardinals |publisher=stltoday.com |date=August 13, 2017 |access-date=August 27, 2017}}

Knizner finished 2017 with a combined .302 batting average with 12 home runs and 51 RBIs in 95 total games between the two clubs, including a .324 batting average in 51 games with Springfield.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/player/andrew-knizner-668800|title=Andrew Knizner Stats, Highlights, Bio - MiLB.com Stats - The Official Site of Minor League Baseball|publisher=|access-date=September 9, 2017}} After the season, the Cardinals assigned Knizner to the Surprise Saguaros of the Arizona Fall League (AFL).{{cite web|url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/birdland/elite-prospects-alcantara-hicks-among-eight-young-cards-headed-to/article_7d2c7636-e43c-56d8-a55e-734211422250.html|title=Elite prospects Alcantara, Hicks among eight young Cards headed to AFL|first=Derrick|last=Goold|date=September 2017 |publisher=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|access-date=December 9, 2017}} He was named the AFL Hitter of the Week the first week of the season after tallying eight hits, two home runs, and five RBIs in 17 at-bats,{{cite web|author=Joshua Clark |url=http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/259495530/cardinals-knizner-afl-hitter-of-the-week/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171025074855/http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/259495530/cardinals-knizner-afl-hitter-of-the-week/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 25, 2017 |title=Cardinals' Knizner named AFL Hitter of the Week|work=MLB.com |date= |access-date=October 24, 2017}} and was selected to participate in the Fall Stars Game. Knizner finished the 2017 AFL batting .358 with three home runs, 12 RBIs, and a .940 OPS in 17 games. Knizner was a non-roster invitee to 2018 spring training.{{cite web|url=https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/2018/2/5/16970996/2018-st-louis-cardinals-spring-training-non-roster-players-prospects-minor-league|title=Cardinals invite 23 non-roster players to Spring Training|date=February 5, 2018|publisher=Viva El Birdos|access-date=March 25, 2018}}

Knizner began 2018 with Springfield and after batting .333/.412/.467 with two home runs and 18 RBIs in 27 games, he was promoted to the Memphis Redbirds.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/cardinals-andrew-knizner-called-up-to-triple-a/|title=Cardinals' Andrew Knizner: Called up to Triple-A|date=May 17, 2018 |publisher=|access-date=November 29, 2018}} However, he returned to Springfield on June 9 in order to make room for Carson Kelly on the Memphis roster.{{cite web|url=http://thecardinalnation.com/cardinals-return-knizner-to-springfield/|title=Cardinals Return Knizner to Springfield - The Cardinal Nation|website=thecardinalnation.com|date=June 9, 2018|access-date=November 29, 2018}}

In July, he was selected to represent the Cardinals in the 2018 All-Star Futures Game.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/andrew-knizner-luis-ortiz-join-futures-game/c-285140620|title=Andrew Knizner, Luis Ortiz join Futures Game|website=MLB.com|access-date=November 29, 2018}} In 94 games played between Springfield and Memphis, Knizner slashed .313/.368/.430 with seven home runs and 45 RBIs.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/player/andrew-knizner-668800|title=Andrew Knizner Stats, Highlights, Bio - MiLB.com Stats - The Official Site of Minor League Baseball|publisher=Minor League Baseball|access-date=October 12, 2018}}

Knizner returned to Memphis to begin 2019. On May 31, his contract was selected and he was called up to the major leagues for the first time.{{cite web|url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/molina-is-placed-on--day-il-with-tendon-strain/article_c8a6b634-2e45-59b4-ac39-3c2cb958c442.html|title=Molina is placed on 10-day IL with tendon strain|publisher=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|author=Stu Durando|date=May 31, 2019|access-date=May 31, 2019}} At the time of his call up, he was batting .286 with five home runs and 17 RBIs through 37 games with Memphis.{{Cite web|url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/molina-placed-on-injured-list-cardinals-add-knizner-to-roster/article_c8a6b634-2e45-59b4-ac39-3c2cb958c442.html|title=Molina placed on injured list; Cardinals add Knizner to roster|first=Stu|last=Durando|website=stltoday.com|date=May 31, 2019 }}

He made his major league debut at Busch Stadium on June 2 versus the Chicago Cubs, going 0–3 on the day as the Cardinals defeated Chicago 2–1.{{Cite web|url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/cards-notebook-knizner-enjoys-solid-big-league-debut-reyes-roughed/article_bc733b48-794f-56a2-8f51-c531922f6b6b.html|title=Cards notebook: Knizner enjoys solid big-league debut; Reyes roughed up in Memphis|first=Rick|last=Hummel|website=stltoday.com|date=June 3, 2019 }} He was optioned back to Memphis on June 11,{{Cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/midwest/story/yadis-back-st-louis-cardinals-activate-yadier-molina-return-andrew-knizner-to-triple-a-memphis-redbirds-061119|title=Yadi's back: Cardinals activate Molina, return Knizner to Memphis|first1=FOX Sports Midwest|last1=Jun 11|first2=2019 at 3:33p|last2=ET|date=June 11, 2019|website=FOX Sports}} and recalled on July 11.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/cardinals-andrew-knizner-recalled-by-cardinals/|title=Cardinals' Andrew Knizner: Recalled by Cardinals|website=CBSSports.com|date=July 11, 2019 }} He registered his first major league hit, a double, on July 17 against Chris Archer of the Pittsburgh Pirates as the Cardinals defeated Pittsburgh 6–5. On July 24, he hit his first major league home run, also against the Pittsburgh Pirates, leading St. Louis to a 14–8 win.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/andrew-knizner-hits-first-homer-in-9-run-inning|title=A by-the-numbers look at the Cards' romp|website=MLB.com }} Knizner finished his 2019 rookie regular season in St. Louis batting .226 with two home runs and seven RBIs over 53 at-bats.

In 2020, Knizner only received 17 at-bats across eight games, recording four hits and four RBIs.{{Cite web|url=https://stlsportspage.com/2021/01/07/andrew-knizner-is-confident-he-can-be-successful-as-cardinals-starting-catcher-if-molina-signs-elsewhere/|title = Andrew Knizner is confident he can be successful as Cardinals starting catcher if Molina signs elsewhere|date = January 7, 2021}} For the 2021 season, Knizner returned as Yadier Molina's backup, taking 161 at-bats over 63 games, slashing .174/.281/.236 with one home run, nine RBIs, and seven doubles.{{Cite web|url=https://ncstate.rivals.com/news/pack-pros-former-wolfpack-baseball-players-in-mlb-and-minors-2|title = Pack Pros: Former NC State Wolfpack baseball players in MLB and minors| date=October 5, 2021 }}

Knizner saw more playing time in 2022—260 at-bats in 96 games—as Molina dealt with injuries for much of the season, and slashed .215/.301/.300 with four home runs and 25 RBIs.

On January 13, 2023, Knizner agreed to a one-year, $1.1 million contract with the Cardinals, avoiding salary arbitration.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/01/2023-mlb-arbitration-tracker.html|title=2023 MLB Arbitration Tracker|access-date=January 13, 2023|website=MLBTradeRumors}} On May 6, it was announced that Knizner would take over as the primary catcher as the Cardinals began to shift Willson Contreras to designated hitter.{{cite web|title=Cardinals' Andrew Knizner: Temporarily starting behind plate|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/cardinals-andrew-knizner-temporarily-starting-behind-plate/amp/|access-date=May 7, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} However, the change was short-lived, and Contreras had returned to catching duties by May 15.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=contrwi01&t=b&year=2023|title=Willson Contreras 2023 Batting Game Logs|website=Baseball-Reference.com}} Knizner appeared in seventy games for the Cardinals and batted .241 with ten home runs and 31 RBIs.{{cite web | last=Gordon | first=Jeff | title=Injuries, hitter regression mean frustrating season for Cardinals: Gordon's final grades | website=STLtoday.com | date=2024-06-24 | url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/professional/mlb/cardinals/injuries-hitter-regression-mean-frustrating-season-for-cardinals-gordons-final-grades/article_146542f4-62a7-11ee-bd6e-1fb8fdacbf9b.html | access-date=2024-07-24}}

Knizner was non-tendered by the Cardinals on November 17, 2023.{{Cite web |last=Worthy |first=Lynn |date=November 18, 2023 |title=Cardinals non-tender four players, including Andrew Knizner and Dakota Hudson |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/professional/mlb/cardinals/cardinals-non-tender-four-players-including-andrew-knizner-and-dakota-hudson/article_9d95c2b2-8591-11ee-82a8-4f1e295d1f4e.html |access-date=November 18, 2023 |website=STLtoday.com |language=en}}

=Texas Rangers=

On January 11, 2024, Knizner signed a one–year, major league contract with the Texas Rangers.{{Cite web |last=Grant |first=Evan |date=January 12, 2024 |title=Texas Rangers agree to deal with veteran catcher Andrew Knizner |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2024/01/11/texas-rangers-agree-to-deal-with-catcher-andrew-knizner-report-says/ |access-date=January 12, 2024 |website=The Dallas Morning News |language=en}} In 35 games for the Rangers, he batted .167/.183/.211 with one home run and nine RBI. On August 6, Knizner was designated for assignment by Texas.{{Cite web|title=Rangers Designate Andrew Knizner For Assignment|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/08/rangers-designate-andrew-knizner-for-assignment.html|access-date=August 6, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}

=Arizona Diamondbacks=

On August 8, 2024, Knizner was claimed off waivers by the Arizona Diamondbacks.{{Cite web|title=Diamondbacks Claim Andrew Knizner|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/08/diamondbacks-claim-andrew-knizner.html|access-date=August 8, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}} In 20 games for the Triple–A Reno Aces, he slashed .274/.357/.397 with two home runs and 12 RBI. On September 14, Knizner was designated for assignment by the Diamondbacks.{{Cite web|title=Diamondbacks DFA Andrew Knizner, Place Ryne Nelson On 15-Day IL|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/09/diamondbacks-dfa-andrew-knizner-place-ryne-nelson-on-15-day-il.html|access-date=September 15, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}} He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Reno on September 18.{{Cite web|title=Diamondbacks Outright Andrew Knizner|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/09/diamondbacks-outright-andrew-knizner.html|access-date=September 18, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}} Knizner elected free agency on October 1.[https://www.milb.com/transactions/2024-10-01/p-1 Minor League Baseball]

=Washington Nationals=

On January 17, 2025, Knizner signed a minor league contract with the Washington Nationals.{{Cite web|title=Nationals, Andrew Knizner Agree To Minor League Deal|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/01/nationals-andrew-knizner-agree-to-minor-league-deal.html|access-date=January 18, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}} In 23 appearances for the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings, he slashed .382/.516/.500 with one home run and 11 RBI. Knizner was released by the Nationals organization on May 17.{{Cite web|title=Nationals Release Andrew Knizner|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/05/nationals-release-andrew-knizner.html|access-date=May 23, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}

=San Francisco Giants=

On May 21, 2025, Knizner signed a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants.{{Cite web|title=Giants Sign Andrew Knizner To Minor League Deal|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/05/giants-sign-andrew-knizner-to-minor-league-deal.html|access-date=May 23, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}} In eight games for the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats, he hit .367 with 10 RBI and six walks. On June 4, the Giants selected Knizner's contract, adding him to their active roster.{{Cite web|title=Giants Designate LaMonte Wade Jr., Sign Dominic Smith|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/06/giants-dfa-lamonte-wade-sam-huff-sign-dominic-smith.html|access-date=June 4, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}