The Philadelphia Phillies are bringing back a handful of familiar faces for 2021
By David Esser
Andrew Knapp, C (one-year/$1.1 million)
Despite fans’ long tenured displeasure with Andrew Knapp, the decision to bring him back for the 2021 season was a pretty logical one. Not only is there zero guarantee that Realmuto will be back in Philly next year (meaning Knapp would be the starting catcher), but Knapp had a career year in 2020.
The veteran backstop slashed .278/.404/.444, while providing some decent enough defense behind the plate. His .849 OPS was the best of his career by over .100 points, and he was well on pace to shatter his career high in RBIs, HRs, and total hits.
With that said, it’s highly unlikely that Knapp continues this form into 2021, considering his previous time in the MLB playing at a below average level, but it’s fair to say that he established himself as a viable backup heading into his fifth year.
As far as backup catcher contracts go, $1.1 million is a fairly cheap price to pay, and again there’s that high possibility that Knapp has to end up starting a majority of games for the Phillies at catcher.
Forget backup for a second, paying a “starting” catcher $1.1 million is an absolute bargain.
Regardless of his previous failures, Knapp’s strong 2020 season earned him at least one more year with the Philadelphia Phillies, and the low price tag made it a complete no-brainer.