The Rockies signed Knizner to a minor-league contract Wednesday. Knizner was released by the Mariners after failing to make the Opening Day roster but has landed a minor-league pact from the Rockies a week later. He will report to Triple-A Albuquerque, where he will give Colorado some experienced catching depth.
The Mariners released Knizner on Wednesday. Rather than letting the waiver process play out after designating Knizner for assignment, the Mariners opted to release him, allowing the veteran catcher to reach free agency sooner and choose his next destination. Knizner was unable to crack the Mariners' Opening Day roster coming out of spring training after Seattle elected to keep Mitch Garver as its No. 2 catcher behind Cal Raleigh.
The Mariners designated Knizner for assignment Tuesday. Knizner will cede his spot on 40-man roster to Mitch Garver, who beat him out for the No. 2 catcher job coming out of spring training. A lifetime .211/.281/.316 hitter over parts of seven MLB seasons, Knizner could attract interest on the waiver wire from other teams looking to upgrade their backup catcher spot ahead of Opening Day.