4 biggest losers of St Louis Cardinals spring training so far

St. Louis Cardinals spring training biggest losers No. 3: Andrew Knizner, C

Yadier Molina retired at the end of the 2022 season. John Mozeliak, Cardinals president of baseball operations, went into the offseason to sign the best available catcher.

Knizner had been Molina’s backup and could have stepped up to take the permanent role. He was expected to be a bridge between Molina and prospect, Ivan Herrera, as his development hasn’t been as fast. So, Mozeliak signed Willson Contreras to a five-year, $87.5 million contract.

It would have been great to have seen Knizner take charge and earn the starting role. He didn’t do that, so he should have kept the backup role to Contreras. Earlier in camp, however, manager Oli Marmol described the backup role as wide open between Knizner and Tres Barrera.

Herrera was demoted to minor league camp on Thursday, leaving the backup role competition to Knizner and Barrera to battle out over the next few days leading up to Opening Day. That the backup position is even in question is disappointing for Knizner. Hopefully, he will focus in and claim his position. Otherwise, you’d have to wonder if the Cardinals have him in their plans.