Andrew Knapp Finds New MLB Home With AL Contender

Andrew Knapp served an important role as the Phillies’ backup catcher for five seasons. The former second-round pick didn’t live up to his high draft expectations, however, and has since bounced around the league following his split from Philadelphia.

After recently being released by the Tigers, it turns out Knapp has found another home quickly.

The 31-year-old has signed a minor-league deal with the Astros, according to the transaction log. He was let go by Detroit on Aug. 9, which cleared the way for him to seek out a different destination.

The 2022 season was an unfortunate one for Knapp, who played only a handful of MLB games with three different clubs. The veteran then landed with the Tigers this offseason, but with their youth movement underway, Knapp never made his way out of the minor leagues. He’s been solid, recording 6 home runs and 25 RBI while slashing .249/.332/.390.

This is the exact kind of signing you’d expect from a contender who’s in the middle of a heated playoff race. Houston is definitely set at catcher with Martin Maldonado and Yainer Diaz holding it down, but Knapp provides an experienced depth piece at the very least.

Perhaps the Phillies will run into Knapp (or at least his new team) this October. Philadelphia currently owns the No. 1 Wild Card spot in the NL after turning things around, while Houston is the AL’s No. 2 Wild Card team at the moment.

Both clubs have rosters fully capable of winning another title, making them threats this postseason. There’s also something special about Wild Card teams and long playoff runs, so it’d be a great story if we get a Phillies-Astros showdown in the World Series.

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