Rangers sign a free agent from the Cardinals to replace a star who hit 19 home runs last season.
The St. Louis Cardinals made wholesale changes across their depth this winter in an attempt to revamp the roster after a last-place finish in the National League Central a year ago.
In doing so, they parted ways with some quality players that could make an impact elsewhere.
One of the bigger surprise non-tender candidates just signed with the reigning World Series champions and will replace a premier player at his position.
The Texas Rangers signed catcher Andrew Knizner to a one-year, $1.825 million contract according to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman on Thursday.
Knizner hit .241 with 21 extra-base hits including 10 home runs, 31 RBIs and a .712 OPS (92 OPS+) in 70 games last season.
The homegrown Cardinals backstop appeared to just be coming into his own before being non-tendered — which saved St. Louis a marginal amount of money but more importantly paved the way for prospect Iván Herrera to make the Opening Day roster.
