Back-Up Options For Rangers All-Star Catcher Jonah Heim
SURPRISE, Ariz. — All-Star Jonah Heim is the Texas Rangers starting catcher.
The only question behind the plate this spring is Heim’s primary backup.
Andrew Knizner, who signed a one-year, $1.8 million deal in January after four seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, is the top candidate behind the switch-hitting Heim. Over parts of five seasons (255 games) with the Cardinals, Knizner is batting .216 with 17 home runs, 31 doubles and 76 RBI.
Sam Huff has played in 75 big league games over three of the past four seasons, including 21 games in 2023, and is another top candidate. He was a seventh-round pick in 2016.
Rangers catching coach Bobby Wilson is pleased with Knizner’s ability to learn the pitching staff quickly.
“There’s obviously a learning curve there, but he’s picked it up pretty quick,” Wilson said. “He’s a smart guy, has a good presence with the pitchers. So it’s been a good start to his Ranger career so far.”
The Rangers are not ruling out carrying three catchers when they break camp. Manager Bruce Bochy said Wednesday that Heim won’t play in a game until Feb. 28.
“We’re just moving him back just because of the load,” Bochy said. “We’re going to get a look at all these guys, give them a chance to show what they’re able to do.”
Heim feels great and joked that he “just do what I’m told,” when asked about the delayed game action. “I just work here,” he said. Heim caught every postseason game, so the Rangers are using some load management during the spring. Plus, they know all they need to know about the Gold Glover.
Bochy Day 8 …
Assessing Jonah Heim’s backup … pic.twitter.com/9IK94gG7j1
— Stefan Stevenson (@StefanVersusTex) February 21, 2024
Mitch Garver’s departure to Seattle in the offseason opened the hole behind Heim.
The Rangers’ non-roster catchers in camp include switch-hitter Andrew Knapp, Matt Whatley, and left-hitting Jose Godoy and Liam Hicks (Bats left)
