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MLB Insider: 3 potential replacements for Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras

By Robert Murray

Willson Contreras #40 of the St. Louis Cardinals looks on walking off the field at the end of the third inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on April 26, 2023 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Willson Contreras #40 of the St. Louis Cardinals looks on walking off the field at the end of the third inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on April 26, 2023 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Andrew Knizner #7 of the St. Louis Cardinals reacts after striking out during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on April 29, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

Cardinals No. 3 option to replace Willson Contreras: Andrew Knizner

With Contreras relegated to designated hitter duties, longtime Cardinals backup catcher Andrew Knizner will now take over as their primary catcher.

Knizner, 28, received extensive playing time last season with Yadier Molina dealing with injuries, but struggled to the tune of .215/.301/.300 with four home runs and 25 RBI. In his five-year career, he’s hitting .204/.288/.291 with eight home runs and 48 RBI.

What Knizner does, however, is provide the Cardinals’ rotation with the best chance of bouncing back. He has extensive experience with each pitcher and could provide some trust and stability to the pitching staff. It just remains to be seen if he can be the primary option, both in the short- and long term.

For that to happen, he would certainly need to start showing more with the bat. In 13 games this season, he’s slashing just .205/.244/.333. Given more consistent opportunities, the hope would be that he would be able to better that production at the plate.

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