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Cardinals' former Yadier Molina heir just resurfaced with Rockies

It's nice to see a former Cardinal who is well liked within the game get another opportunity.
May 22, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  St. Louis Cardinals catchers Yadier Molina (left) and Andrew Knizner (right) celebrate after defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. The Cardinals won 18-4. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
May 22, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; St. Louis Cardinals catchers Yadier Molina (left) and Andrew Knizner (right) celebrate after defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. The Cardinals won 18-4. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

For years, the St. Louis Cardinals seemed to be raising up a new heir to Yadier Molina's throne behind the plate. The only "problem" was that Molina kept producing and playing for a total of 19 big league seasons!

We saw names like Tony Cruz and Carson Kelly come and go because of that, with Ivan Herrera eventually ending up being the hopeful replacement for Molina by the time he retired. But one name did stick around longer than any other internally developed "Yadi-replacement," and he just surfaced once again with another big league club.

Former Cardinals catcher Andrew Knizner just signed a minor league deal with the Colorado Rockies, hoping to break through to find a regular role with the club after bouncing around the league the last few seasons.

Andrew Knizner just landed another gig after years as the Cardinals' backup catcher

When Knizner debuted with the Cardinals in 2019, there was some internal hope that he could develop into a solid option for the team as they prepared for life after Molina. Knizner served as Molina's primary backup from 2020-2022, and then got a more regular role with the club in 2023 as the Cardinals pivoted away from Willson Contreras at catcher for the majority of that season.

Knizner had some solid stretches for St. Louis that season, finishing as a 1 bWAR player and posting a .712 OPS at the plate in 96 games for St. Louis that season. Still, Knizner left some things to be desired, and with Herrera clearly ready for his opportunity, the Cardinals non-tendered Knizner that offseason.

Knizner latched on with the Texas Rangers that offseason and spent time with the San Francisco Giants in 2025. Knizner landed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Seattle Mariners this offseason to be Cal Raleigh's backup, but was released by the club at the end of camp. He'll now look to force his way into a Major League roster spot with the Rockies.

For his career, Knizner owns a 67 OPS+ over seven big league seasons, but has been a much better hitter at the Triple-A level. When it comes to offensive production, he seems to be the prototypical "Quadruple-A player," but Knizner has always been a beloved teammate and someone that pitching staffs highly value.

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