Former SF Giants catcher Austin Wynns signs MLB deal with Dodgers
The SF Giants moved on from catcher Austin Wynns earlier this week when they designated him for assignment to clear a spot on the roster for Joey Bart. Now Wynns has signed a major-league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to a report by Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. The Dodgers have placed catcher Will Smith on the injured list with a concussion, creating an immediate need in Los Angeles behind the plate.
SF Giants second baseman Ford Proctor celebrates with catcher Austin Wynns. (2022)
Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Wynns emerged as a solid backup catcher for the Giants toward the end of the 2022 season. The right-handed hitter posted a .259/.313/.358 triple-slash in 177 plate appearances (65 games) with seven doubles and three home runs. He was also a solid player defensively, overcoming early struggles with catcher's interference after he adopted the coaching staff's techniques, which attempt to improve framing numbers.
Despite his solid performance, the Giants designated Wynns off the 40-man roster over the course of the offseason. While he had enough experience to become a free agent, he opted to forego free agency to compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster. However, after the acquisitions multiple veterans and a Rule 5 pick, Wynns was buried on the depth chart. He had an impressive spring, blasting three home runs alongside a .632 slugging percentage with as many walks as strikeouts, but still fell short of the Opening Day roster.
The SF Giants briefly recalled Wynns after a pair of injuries depleted the team's catching depth, but he was designated for assignment once again after appearing in just one game with the team. He has now appeared in five of the past six MLB seasons, receiving stints with the Baltimore Orioles in 2018, 2019, and 2021 before joining the Giants last year. Wynns has a .230/.274/.335 triple-slash over his MLB career. He also recorded an OPS north of 1.000 at Triple-A in 2021 and 2022.
Austin Wynns is not likely to be a long-term option with the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, with Will Smith on the injured list, the 31-year-old will provide a solid veteran presence behind the plate until Smith is able to return.
