Red Sox lose impactful Triple-A catcher to free agency

The Boston Red Sox made some aggressive moves before the trade deadline to bulk up the roster for the final stretch of the season and potentially the playoffs. After acquiring two catchers in Adley Rutschman and Jake Rogers, it appears a minor leaguer is removing himself from the organization and becoming a free agent.

Reports indicate that Andrew Knizner, who has been playing at Triple-A Worcester for most of the 2026 campaign, exercised a clause on his contract that immediately releases him and sends him to free agency, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. He’s been solid this year and seems to believe a catcher-needy franchise could sign him.

“Catcher Andrew Knizner exercised his out clause in his Red Sox deal and is a free agent,” Heyman reported. “Hit .316/.426/.494/.920 at Triple-A Worcester.”

His play is certainly deserving of a promotion, but considering the Red Sox have a new group of catchers leading the way, it can’t be all that surprising Knizner decided to hit free agency. Especially considering how many other teams in the league are in need of a catcher, including playoff contenders like the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox.

At 31 years old, Knizner has seven years of experience in the majors. He last appeared in the 2025 regular season with the San Francisco Giants, playing 33 games for the franchise. He finished that year with a .221 batting average and .299 OBP while totaling 17 hits, one home run, and five RBIs through 77 at-bats.

While Andrew Knizner seeks a new opportunity elsewhere, the Red Sox aim to remain one of the hottest teams in MLB. The club will attempt to earn its ninth straight victory on Friday when Boston takes on the Athletics in the first matchup of a three-game series.

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