The Diamondbacks Claim Former All-ACC NC State Catcher Andrew Knizner

The Diamondbacks claimed former NC State All-ACC Catcher Andrew Knizner off waivers on Thursday.

The #Dbacks claimed C Andrew Knizner off waivers from the Rangers and optioned him to Triple-A Reno.

In a corresponding move, RHP Luis Frías was designated for assignment.

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) August 8, 2024

After spending his first 5 seasons in the Majors with St. Louis, where he played 255 games, Knizner signed a 1-year deal with the Rangers worth $1.825 million.

He played 35 games for Texas this season, but unfortunately, Knizner’s production at the plate was the worst of his career. In 93 plate appearances, Knizner is batting .167.

Knizner is now playing for the D-Back’s Triple-A squad in Reno, where he got off to a good start last night.

Hopefully Arizona can be a good reset for Knizner. He’s already off to a good start, hitting a Home Run in his 1st game.

Could be wrong, but we’re guessing Andrew Knizner is going to like the PCL 💪

He leaves the yard in his first game in the @Dbacks organization 🙌 pic.twitter.com/UsmRK50pM3

— Reno Aces (@Aces) August 10, 2024

When Knizner originally arrived at NC State, he was a 3rd baseman, earning Freshman All-American honors at the position. As a Freshman, he earned All-ACC Third Team honors. His 47 RBI’s in his first year are the 7th most by a Freshman in school history.

As a Sophomore, he moved to Catcher, and earned All-ACC 2nd Team honors. As a Junior, Knizner batted .292, and threw out 16 of 37 base runners. After his Junior season, Knizner opted to enter the Draft.