didn&..."/> didn&..."/>

Andrew Knapp Finds New MLB Home With AL Contender

Mar 5, 2019; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher Andrew Knapp (15) doubles during the fifth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Spectrum Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2019; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher Andrew Knapp (15) doubles during the fifth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Spectrum Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

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.

If you’re looking to back the Phillies ahead of the playoffs, do it on Caesars Sportsbook. New users who sign up through the exclusive Section 215 link below can unlock one of the biggest bonus offers in the industry. If your first bet loses, as long as it was between $10 and $1,250 Caesars will automatically award you a bonus equal to the amount you wagered. So if you bet $50 and lose, a $50 bonus will hit your account to make up for it. This offer won’t be around forever though, so sign up now to cash in before the season gets here!