Texas Rangers Part Ways with Catcher Andrew Knapp After Minor League Stint

The Texas Rangers have made a roster change by releasing catcher Andrew Knapp from his minor league contract, following his decision to activate an opt-out clause. This development was first reported by Jeff Wilson of Rangers Today on social media.

Knapp, a 32-year old veteran, has spent the entirety of this season playing for Triple-A Round Rock. The switch-hitter has posted an impressive .292/.374/.444 batting line, with a solid 11.8% walk rate juxtaposed against a 24.4% strikeout rate.

Throughout 254 plate appearances, he has tallied six home runs, 13 doubles, and one triple. Despite the generally offense-boosting conditions of the Pacific Coast League, Knapp’s performance stands out as particularly strong for a player considered to be organizational depth at the catcher position.

Currently, the Rangers have three catchers listed on their 40-man roster: Jonah Heim, Andrew Knizner, and Sam Huff. Heim, despite a slump this season, is expected to maintain his starting position, coming off an impressive 2023 season.

Knizner, acquired during the offseason for $1.825 million, will continue in his role as the backup catcher, even though his .147 batting average over 30 games leaves much to be desired. Sam Huff remains on optional assignment to Triple-A for the majority of this season, with a notable strikeout rate of 31.7%.

Knapp, originally drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the second round, had previously played for Philadelphia from 2017 through 2021. The 2022 season saw him shuffle between three different organizations, with no major league appearances in the last year and a half.

Over his career, the University of California alum has a major league batting average of .209, with a .310 on-base percentage and a .313 slugging percentage over 325 games. While his defensive work behind the plate has received lukewarm reviews, Knapp’s consistent offensive performance in Triple-A suggests he may soon find another minor league opportunity elsewhere.

As the Rangers continue to streamline their roster for the remainder of the season, Knapp’s departure marks another step in reshaping the team’s depth and strategies moving forward.