Rockies cut ties with former Cardinals, Giants .596 OPS catcher

The Colorado Rockies lost catching depth on Friday, as a seven-year veteran was released from the organization. 

According to Darragh McDonald of MLB Trade Rumors, backstop Andrew Knizner was let go by the Rockies. 

McDonald adds that the 31-year-old was performing well at Triple-A Albuquerque, so it's possible he had an opt-out in his contract with the NL West club. 

Knizner hit .279/.371/.590 with 10 home runs and 22 RBIs in 33 games with Colorado's Triple-A affiliate. 

"Presumably, teams generally look positively on his overall work wearing the pads, whether that’s his actual defense or perhaps his ability to have a relationship with pitchers," McDonald wrote about Knizner's defensive capabilities.

"As mentioned, he hasn’t hit much but has continued to get opportunities. The fact that he is hitting well this year, perhaps helps him a bit as he now returns to free agency." 

Knizner signed a $1 million deal with the Seattle Mariners during the offseason but was cut from their roster before the start of the season. 

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Another club looking for catching depth could give him a chance as their third-string catcher.

But he has also played 323 games in the Majors since making his debut in 2019 with the St. Louis Cardinals, making him a reliable backup. 

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