2:37pm: Wynns signed a break up deal that may pay him $900K for time spent on the MLB roster and $300K for no matter time he spends in Triple-A, studies Mark Sheldon of MLB.com (X link).
2:28pm: The Reds introduced the signing of catcher Austin Wynns to a serious league contract. Outfielder TJ Hopkins was designated for project to clear a 40-man roster spot.
As was the case a season in the past, the Reds are prone to carry three catchers on the MLB roster. Wynns joins Luke Maile as glove-first veterans to work alongside Tyler Stephenson, who appears set to log the vast majority of his time at designated hitter.
Wynns, 33, has appeared within the majors in 5 straight seasons. He spent his first few seasons with the Orioles earlier than bouncing round over the past two years. Wynns performed for a trio of NL West golf equipment in 2023, following temporary stints in San Francisco and Los Angeles with a extra prolonged run in Colorado.
The Rockies carried Wynns on the MLB roster from early Could onwards. Initially claimed off waivers from the Dodgers, he operated because the backup to Elias Díaz. Wynns didn’t supply something on the plate regardless of the hitter-friendly dwelling park, delivering a .214/.273/.282 slash. He owns a .226/.273/.324 line throughout 653 large league plate appearances total.
Wynns posted stronger outcomes on the opposite aspect of the ball. Statcast graded him barely positively as a pitch framer for the primary time in his profession. He reduce down practically 31% of opposing basestealers, properly above final 12 months’s 19.8% league common in a way more favorable surroundings for baserunners.
The Rockies nonetheless reduce him unfastened on the finish of the season because of his lack of offensive manufacturing. Wynns secures a 40-man roster spot within the brief time period, though the break up contract suggests there’s an opportunity the Reds waive him sooner or later. Wynns is out of choices, that means Cincinnati can’t ship to Triple-A until he first clears waivers.
As a participant with between three and 5 years of MLB service, Wynns would have the flexibility to say no a minor league project however would forfeit any assured cash to take action. By guaranteeing a $300K wage for no matter time he spends on a minor league roster, the deal may incentivize Wynns to simply accept a stint in Triple-A if the Reds do run him by means of waivers at any level.
Extra to come back.
