The Los Angeles Angels took steps to bolster their organizational depth at the catcher position on Friday, agreeing to a minor league deal with veteran backstop. The signing came shortly after He entered free agency earlier in the week, as first reported by MLB Trade Rumors. At 35 years old, He began the 2026 campaign with the Oakland Athletics but found himself designated for assignment on May 7.
That roster move followed the return of Shea Langeliers from the paternity list, which left the Athletics needing to clear space behind the plate. After going unclaimed on waivers, Wynns chose to exercise his right to become a free agent, ultimately landing with the Angels as they search for stability at a position that has quickly become a concern.
For the Angels, this addition is less about making a splash and more about necessity. The team has been hit hard by injuries to its catching corps, leaving them scrambling for viable options. Logan O’Hoppe, widely viewed as a key part of the franchise’s future, suffered a broken wrist in late April, an injury that is expected to sideline him for an extended period.
Not long after, veteran catcher Travis d’Arnaud was placed on the injured list due to plantar fasciitis, further thinning the team’s depth at the position. With both primary options unavailable, the Angels have been forced to rely on less experienced players to handle the demanding responsibilities of catching at the major league level.
In the absence of O’Hoppe and d’Arnaud, the Angels turned to Sebastian Rivero and rookie Omar Martinez. Rivero, who entered the season with just 162 days of major league service time, has struggled to make an impact offensively throughout his career.
MORE: St. Louis Cardinals made number of roster moves, officially cut top star reliever
In 134 big league plate appearances, he has produced a .169 batting average, along with a .220 on-base percentage and a .202 slugging percentage. Those numbers highlight the challenges he has faced in adjusting to major league pitching and underscore the limitations he brings as an everyday option.
Martinez, on the other hand, represents a younger and less proven alternative. He made his major league debut earlier this week, stepping into a difficult situation with little margin for error. Prior to his promotion, Martinez had spent time at both Double-A and Triple-A levels, where he posted a .208 batting average, a .297 on-base percentage, and a .358 slugging percentage dating back to the start of last season.
While those figures suggest some potential for development, they also come with concerns most notably a 34.4% strikeout rate, which raises questions about his ability to consistently make contact against higher-level pitching. Thrust into the majors under less-than-ideal circumstances, Martinez faces a steep learning curve as he adjusts to the speed and complexity of the game at its highest level.
Given these circumstances, the addition of Wynns provides the Angels with a measure of experience and reliability, even if only at the minor league level for now. Over the course of his career, Wynns has built a reputation as a dependable depth option, capable of stepping in when needed and providing solid defensive work behind the plate.
He has spent time with several organizations, including the Baltimore Orioles, San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers, Colorado Rockies, Cincinnati Reds, and most recently, the Athletics. That journeyman path has allowed him to accumulate a wealth of experience, both in terms of handling different pitching staffs and adapting to various team environments.
In total, Wynns has appeared in 293 major league games, compiling 826 plate appearances. During that time, he has posted a .231 batting average, along with a .276 on-base percentage and a .347 slugging percentage.
While those numbers are not particularly eye-catching, they are fairly typical for a defense-first catcher whose primary value lies in his ability to manage pitchers, call games, and provide steady play behind the plate. For a team like the Angels, currently dealing with injuries and uncertainty, having a player with that kind of experience available even in a depth role can be valuable.
It is worth noting that minor league signings such as this one often serve as insurance policies rather than immediate solutions. Wynns is unlikely to be viewed as a long-term answer for the Angels at catcher, but he does offer a level of stability that the organization currently lacks. Should injuries persist or performance issues continue among the team’s current options, Wynns could find himself called up to the major league roster to provide reinforcement.
MORE: Braves Top Landing Spot for Giants Versatile All-Star Slugger
Ultimately, the Angels’ decision to bring in Wynns reflects the realities of a long baseball season, where depth is constantly tested and teams must be prepared to adapt to unforeseen challenges.
Injuries, particularly at physically demanding positions like catcher, can quickly expose weaknesses in a roster. By adding a seasoned veteran like Wynns, the Angels are taking a pragmatic approach, ensuring they have additional coverage as they navigate a difficult stretch.
While this move may not generate headlines, it underscores the importance of organizational depth and the role that experienced players can play in stabilizing a team during periods of adversity. As the season progresses and the Angels await the return of their injured catchers, Wynns could prove to be a quietly important addition, offering reliability and a steady presence in a position that has recently been anything but stable.
Although Austin Wynns’ 2026 season with the Athletics did not produce much offensively, as he managed only a .077 batting average across 14 games, his recent track record suggests he is still capable of contributing at the plate under the right circumstances.
His limited production in Oakland this year stands in contrast to his stronger offensive performances in the previous season, when he demonstrated that he can still provide value as a hitter in short stints.
During the 2025 campaign, Wynns experienced a notable offensive resurgence while playing for the Cincinnati Reds. In that stretch, he posted impressive numbers, batting .400 with a .442 on-base percentage and a .700 slugging percentage across 18 appearances. That level of production included three home runs and 11 runs batted in, showing that he was able to generate both contact and power during his time in Cincinnati.
His ability to hit for average, reach base at a high rate, and drive the ball with authority made him one of the more productive short-term catching options in that phase of his career. However, despite that strong showing, he was eventually traded to the Oakland Athletics, where his offensive performance cooled significantly.
After joining Oakland, Wynns’ production dipped, as reflected in his .222 batting average, .242 on-base percentage, and .444 slugging percentage over 22 games. While he still managed to hit three home runs during his time with the Athletics, his overall consistency at the plate declined compared to his earlier stint with Cincinnati.
MORE: Angels finally to part ways with veteran outfielder to help both parties involved
The drop in on-base ability, in particular, highlighted some of the offensive volatility that has followed him throughout his MLB career. Even so, the presence of occasional power and his experience as a veteran catcher kept him relevant as a depth option.
Beyond his offensive profile, Wynns has long been recognized for his defensive abilities, especially his skill in controlling the running game. Throughout his Major League career, he has demonstrated a strong and consistent ability to limit opposing base stealers.
He has thrown out 30.2% of runners attempting to steal, a rate that stands above league average and reflects his quick release, strong arm, and game awareness behind the plate. This defensive strength has often been considered one of his most valuable attributes, particularly for teams seeking stability and reliability in the catching position.
His defensive reputation is further supported by his performance in the minor leagues, where he recorded an even slightly higher caught-stealing rate of 31%. These numbers reinforce the idea that his ability to manage opposing baserunners is not limited to the Major League level, but rather a consistent skill that has carried through every stage of his professional career.
Pitchers working with Wynns often benefit from his experience, game-calling ability, and steady presence behind the plate, which can help stabilize a pitching staff even when his offensive output is inconsistent.
With more than five years of Major League service time, Wynns also brings a level of veteran experience that can be especially valuable for teams dealing with injuries or depth concerns at the catcher position.
That combination of experience, defensive reliability, and occasional offensive upside likely made him an appealing short-term addition for the Los Angeles Angels, who were in need of catching depth at the time of the signing. Even if his recent batting numbers have fluctuated, his overall track record suggests he can still contribute in specific roles, particularly as a backup catcher or situational starter when needed.
Be the first to comment