Giants bolster catching depth by signing Andrew Knizner, then shuffle roster with DFA for Eddys Leonard

The San Francisco Giants made a targeted roster adjustment on Tuesday by signing catcher Andrew Knizner and using the transaction to bring a new active-roster presence behind the plate. The team’s move was paired with a series of other roster steps, including designating Eddys Leonard for assignment and shifting Zach Morgan off the 26-man roster, changes that underscore how quickly bullpen and position depth can matter during the stretch run.

According to the Giants’ transaction report carried by MLB Trade Rumors, Knizner’s contract was added in a way that directly affected the catcher rotation. The active roster spot that Knizner takes is described as coming from Zach Morgan, who was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento. That indicates the organization is looking to upgrade or stabilize the catching group at the major league level rather than simply moving between internal options.

The same announcement sequence also included a personnel correction related to Victor Bericoto. The Giants reinstated Bericoto from the 10-day injured list, returning him to major-league availability. Reinstatement is significant because it changes the immediate numbers available for manager Gabe Kapler’s day-to-day lineup planning, particularly in games where catching workload and late-inning matchups can tighten.

In addition to the catcher additions and returns, the Giants designated Eddys Leonard for assignment. A designation for assignment does not mean a trade is guaranteed or even that the player will leave the organization, but it does remove him from the active roster and initiates the team’s next steps under MLB’s roster rules. The move also suggests the Giants wanted to clear enough space to carry Knizner and the other currently available position players.

Knizner’s signing, combined with the optioning of Morgan and the reinstatement of Bericoto, points to a clear prioritization of catching depth as the schedule compresses. Catchers also play a role beyond offense, handling pitching staffs in real time and managing the tactical flow of games, so teams often react to availability issues by adjusting at the position rather than relying solely on game-to-game improvisation.

What to watch next is how the Giants handle Leonard’s clearing process after the designation for assignment. If the team keeps him, he could return to the roster quickly; if another club claims him, he would join a different organization. Either outcome will provide a clearer picture of how San Francisco is balancing experience and flexibility in its bench and lineup construction going forward.

For now, the Giants’ biggest immediate storyline is the reshaped catching mix: Knizner on the active roster, Bericoto back from the IL, and Morgan optioned to Sacramento. That combination should translate into more stable options for starter catchers, backup duties, and matchup-specific usage as the Giants continue to manage player workload through the final weeks of the season.