Giants Add Joey Wiemer, DFA Andrew Knitzer in Roster Moves Under Vitello

The San Francisco Giants continued reshaping their roster on Friday as Tony Vitello officially takes the helm as manager. In a pair of moves aimed at adjusting depth and flexibility, the team acquired outfielder Joey Wiemer from the Miami Marlins for cash considerations and designated catcher Andrew Knitzer for assignment. The changes mark the first notable roster shakeups under Vitello’s leadership.

Knitzer, who appeared in 33 games for San Francisco in 2025, posted a .221 batting average with a home run and five RBIs. Despite finishing the season strong with a .306 average over his final 18 games, the organization opted to move on from the catcher, signaling confidence in Patrick Bailey as the team’s primary option at the position moving forward.

The addition of Wiemer provides the Giants with another outfield option heading into spring training. While earning significant playing time will be a challenge, the acquisition gives the team flexibility and the potential for a breakout performance in 2026.

San Francisco’s offseason strategy appears to be a mix of subtle adjustments and developmental bets. While Wiemer may not headline the moves, the Giants hope the outfielder can rediscover the form that made him a notable contributor earlier in his career.

1. Andrew Knitzer Designated for Assignment

Andrew Knitzer’s departure represents a calculated decision by the Giants to clear space and prioritize other talent behind the plate. The catcher’s limited offensive production, despite a late-season surge, made him expendable in a roster evaluation context. Knitzer’s career with San Francisco saw sporadic playing time, often serving as a backup option. With Patrick Bailey established as the team’s preferred catcher, management appears ready to focus on long-term development rather than short-term performance from Knitzer. The DFA opens a roster spot that can be used for flexibility elsewhere, allowing the Giants to pursue other acquisitions or give younger players additional opportunities. It also signals that the team is willing to make tough decisions in order to create space for potential contributors. While Knitzer showed flashes of promise, the move aligns with a broader organizational philosophy that prioritizes versatility and high-upside potential in players like Bailey and incoming additions.

2. Joey Wiemer Acquisition

Joey Wiemer arrives in San Francisco with the opportunity to revitalize his career after a turbulent season with the Marlins. The outfielder appeared in 27 games in 2025, hitting .236 with three home runs and 12 RBIs, showing glimpses of his earlier form but struggling with consistency. Wiemer’s most notable campaign came in 2023 with the Milwaukee Brewers, when he posted 13 home runs, 42 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases. However, a .204 average in 2025 suggested he had lost some of his momentum, prompting the trade to the Giants. The move gives San Francisco a player with speed, occasional power, and defensive versatility in the outfield. While playing time will depend on spring training performance, Wiemer has a chance to carve out a role as a depth piece or a situational contributor. For the Giants, Wiemer represents a low-risk addition that could pay dividends if he regains the form that made him a dynamic presence early in his career.

3. Implications for Giants’ Offseason Strategy

These roster moves are part of a larger plan as the Giants enter an offseason under new leadership. Vitello’s approach appears to prioritize flexibility, depth, and developmental potential over marquee acquisitions at this stage. By acquiring Wiemer and moving on from Knitzer, the Giants are signaling a willingness to experiment with younger or high-upside players while also making room for future moves that could impact the 2026 season. The team’s focus remains on returning to postseason contention, and these adjustments are meant to provide both immediate and long-term benefits. Even modest acquisitions like Wiemer can play a key role in depth and late-inning matchups. Ultimately, the moves underscore a proactive approach to roster management, emphasizing versatility and opportunity for players who may have underperformed elsewhere but still possess untapped potential.