Andrew Knapp Makes the Phillies Opening Day Roster
The Phillies announced the Opening Day Roster, and it included catcher Andrew Knapp.
With the release of veteran catchers Ryan Hannigan and Bryan Holaday, Andrew Knapp has earned a roster spot. Knapp has solidified his role as the backup catcher for Cameron Rupp for the 2017 season. Roman Quinn was also optioned to AAA today. That means Knapp will be the lone prospect on the Phillies’ Opening Day roster.
Knapp, while primarily playing catcher, has added versatility to his game this spring taking reps at first base. By playing first base, and being a switch hitter Knapp can get more at bats while spotting Tommy Joseph against right-handed pitching.
The addition of Knapp on the bench the have Phillies more flexibility with the final bench spot on the Roster. Instead of keeping a backup first baseman who can be thrown in the outfield maybe once a week, like say, Brock Stassi. The Phillies could rather add depth by keeping a 5th outfielder like Chris Coughlan.
Knapp may be the backup catcher for the 2017 season, but his future with the Phillies could be in a much bigger role.
What to Expect
Knapp’s stock as a prospect skyrocketed after his amazing 2015 season. Knapp began that season in Clearwater where his numbers looked pretty pedestrian. But after being called up to Reading he exploded onto the scene.
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In 55 games in that season with Reading, Knapp had 34 extra base hits. Knapp’s numbers regressed back in his first full season in AAA. He slashed .266/.330/.390 with eight home runs.
The latter season is more likely what Knapp truly is. So in when he gets his first season against Major League pitching his numbers might not look like anything special. I’d expect him to play in about 40-50 games and slash around .250/.320/.375.
Nothing special about a season like that, but I’d expect Knapp to show some flashes of the player he was back in Reading. There is a reason why Knapp is a top 20 prospect in the deep Phillies system and he should be looked at as a potentially key piece for the future