The Colorado Rockies have released catcher Andrew Knizner from their Triple-A affiliate, making the veteran backstop a free agent after a strong run with Albuquerque.
MLB Trade Rumors reported the move Friday, and MLB.com's player transaction page lists the Albuquerque Isotopes releasing Knizner on June 18. MLB's player record identifies Knizner as a 31-year-old catcher who made his major league debut on June 2, 2019.
Knizner Leaves Albuquerque After Productive Stretch
Knizner joined the Rockies organization on a minor league deal on April 1, the same day MLB.com's tracker lists his assignment to Albuquerque. He had been released by the Seattle Mariners on March 25 after signing a one-year, $1 million major league deal in December.
The Triple-A production gives the release more weight than a routine depth move. MLB Trade Rumors credited Knizner with 10 home runs in 140 plate appearances over 33 games for Albuquerque, along with a .279/.371/.590 slash line.
The same report listed a 10.7 percent walk rate and 18.6 percent strikeout rate during that Albuquerque stint. In the Pacific Coast League's hitter-friendly setting, MLBTR wrote that his overall offense still graded 24 percent better than league average by wRC+.
Free Agency Comes With Catching Experience
Knizner has played parts of seven major league seasons and logged 975 plate appearances. MLB Trade Rumors listed his MLB batting line at .211/.281/.316, while noting that public framing metrics have viewed him more favorably since the start of 2024.
The financial path is modest if another club gives him a major league opportunity. MLBTR reported that Seattle remains responsible for the $1 million salary, with any signing club owing only the prorated league minimum for time Knizner spends on its roster.
Colorado had signed Knizner as experienced catching depth behind its major league group. The verified move is narrower: Albuquerque released him, and a productive Triple-A line now goes back onto the catcher market.