In early April, Austin Wynns found himself in a state of transition after being designated for assignment by the San Francisco Giants. However, his fortunes quickly changed as he joined the Los Angeles Dodgers shortly after. The veteran catcher proved his worth when filling in for Will Smith during the latter’s stint on the injured list due to a concussion.

Although Wynns only appeared in a single game for the Giants before joining the Dodgers, he made an impact during his time with the team. From April 17 to April 26, he showcased his abilities, collecting two hits and driving in two runs across five games. However, his stint with the Dodgers was short-lived, as he was designated for assignment on May 1.

Nevertheless, Wynns didn’t have to wait long for another opportunity, as he was claimed off waivers by the Colorado Rockies on May 4. Remaining in the National League West, he quickly carved out a decent role with his new team. In his 45 appearances, Wynns demonstrated his defensive prowess by throwing out 10 of 24 runners attempting to steal bases. He ranked fourth in Major League Baseball in catchers caught stealing above average with a grade of five, while also being the best in the league in exchange time among qualified catchers.

Offensively, Wynns posted a.208/.268/.277 slash line with one home run, six doubles, and 10 RBI in 130 at-bats across his stints with the Giants, Dodgers, and Rockies. While his offensive production may not have been eye-catching, his value primarily lied in his defensive skills and ability to handle the pitching staff.

One of the standout moments of Wynns’ 2023 season came during his first at-bat with the Dodgers, where he delivered a clutch two-run double to right field, giving his team a 3-2 lead over the New York Mets. It was a memorable highlight in his brief tenure with the Dodgers, showcasing his ability to contribute when given the opportunity.

Looking ahead to the 2024 season, Wynns finds himself with a new team once again. In mid-December, the Cincinnati Reds signed him to a Major League contract, showing their belief in his abilities. However, on January 2, the Reds designated him for assignment in an effort to clear him through waivers.

Wynns was subsequently outrighted to the Louisville Bats, the Reds’ Triple-A affiliate. Despite this setback, he remains determined and will receive an invitation to spring training, where he will have the opportunity to compete for the backup catcher spot.

It is likely that Wynns will continue to fill a similar role as he did in 2023, providing organizational catching depth and making appearances in the Major Leagues when the need arises. His journey from team to team has taught him the importance of adaptability and persistence, and he will continue to bring those qualities to his new stint with the Cincinnati Reds.