The Rangers have released Andrew Knapp from his minor league contract after he triggered an opt-out clause. Knapp, 32, spent the season with Triple-A Round Rock, posting a .292/.374/.444 slash line with six home runs, 13 doubles, and one triple in 254 plate appearances. Despite benefiting from the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, his performance as a depth catcher was solid.

Texas currently lists three catchers on their 40-man roster: Jonah Heim, Andrew Knizner, and Sam Huff. Heim, despite a down season, remains secure in his starting role after a strong 2023 campaign. Knizner, signed for $1.825 million last winter, serves as the backup despite struggling with a .147/.169/.206 slash line in 30 games. The Rangers opted for Knizner over Knapp, who has been in Triple-A most of the season and strikes out at a 31.7% rate.

A former second-round pick by the Phillies, Knapp played for them from 2017 to 2021 before moving between three teams in 2022 and failing to reach the majors in the last year and a half. He holds a career .209/.310/.313 batting line over 325 MLB games and a .257/.337/.410 line in Triple-A. Though defensive metrics haven’t favored his receiving skills, Knapp’s track record suggests he may earn another minor league opportunity.