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Andrew Knizner
Andrew Knizner was the backup catcher to Yadier Molina in Molina's final two seasons and Willson Contreras' first season with the Cardinals. Although Knizner never made a major impact with the bat in St. Louis, his increased role in 2023 with Molina out of the picture led to a career-high .241 batting average and a 91 OPS+ — more than respectable for a backup catcher.
Despite Knizner's relative success, the Cardinals decided to give Ivan Herrera the main backup job in 2024 and did not tender Knizner a contract in the offseason. Knizner signed with the Texas Rangers for one year and $1,825,000, but he has not replicated his 2023 performance in St. Louis, hitting a paltry .138 in 58 at-bats while serving as Jonah Heim's caddy. He has also allowed 16 stolen bases and has yet to throw out a runner.
Knizner is, by all accounts, a great guy and an excellent teammate, which should keep him employed in the major leagues as a backup catcher for a while. And if he can't cut the mustard behind the plate, he has pitched 3.2 career innings of scoreless baseball, so maybe he has a future there.
These four former Cardinals undoubtedly wish they could press the reset button on 2024, and they are a reminder that not everyone who leaves the Cardinals these days develops a new level to his game.