In Surprise, Arizona, the Texas Rangers have named Jonah Heim as their starting catcher for the upcoming season. The main focus this spring is determining Heim’s primary backup. Andrew Knizner, who recently joined the team on a one-year, $1.8 million contract after playing four seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, appears to be the leading candidate to support Heim, who bats from both sides of the plate. Knizner’s experience includes 255 games with the Cardinals, during which he has posted a batting average of .216, hitting 17 home runs, 31 doubles, and accumulating 76 RBIs. Another contender for the backup role is Sam Huff, a seventh-round pick in 2016, who has seen action in 75 Major League games over the past four seasons, including 21 games in 2023.
According to Rangers catching coach Bobby Wilson, Knizner has impressed with his quick grasp of the pitching staff’s dynamics. Wilson noted Knizner’s intelligence and rapport with the pitchers, highlighting a promising start to his tenure with the Rangers. The team is considering the possibility of carrying three catchers as they conclude their spring training. Manager Bruce Bochy announced that Heim’s game appearances will be delayed until February 28 due to workload management, emphasizing the importance of evaluating all candidates during the preseason games.
Heim, who participated in every postseason game, expressed readiness despite the delayed playing time, humorously remarking that he simply follows instructions. The Rangers are employing load management strategies during spring training, given Heim’s postseason workload and established performance.
Bochy Day 8 …
Assessing Jonah Heim's backup … pic.twitter.com/9IK94gG7j1— Stefan Stevenson (@StefanVersusTex) February 21, 2024
The departure of Mitch Garver to Seattle in the offseason created an opening behind Heim, leading to a competitive situation for the backup catcher role. The team’s non-roster catchers in camp include Andrew Knapp, Matt Whatley, Jose Godoy, and Liam Hicks, offering additional options for evaluation.
Wilson stressed the importance of developing strong relationships between catchers and pitchers, acknowledging the challenges of building familiarity within a new team quickly. Knizner, having worked with pitching coach Mike Maddux during his time with the Cardinals and Rangers hitting coach Donnie Ecker in Low-A in 2017, brings valuable experience and insights to the team.
Regarding the backup catcher competition, Wilson emphasized the constant nature of competition in baseball, urging his catchers to remain hungry and avoid complacency. He emphasized that every player, regardless of their current status, is continuously competing for a roster spot, as teams are always scouting for talent.
In summary, the Rangers are actively assessing their catching options during spring training, with Knizner emerging as a strong candidate for the backup role behind Heim, and the coaching staff emphasizing the importance of competition and player development.
