According to Matt Swartz’s arbitration projections, Wynns would receive $1.8 million. While he didn’t succeed, his deal does include some incentives, Murray notes.
The Athletics acquired Wynns in June after the Reds designated him for assignment. They needed depth after that Shea Langeliers went down with an oblique injury. Wynns hit .222 in 22 games with the team. A stomach ache in early August cost him the rest of the season.
Wynns was drafted by Baltimore in 2013. He made his debut with the Orioles in 2018. After a few seasons as a part-time player, Wynns opted for free agency. He joined the Phillies in March 2022. Wynns was dealt to San Francisco in June of that season. The Giants gave him his longest opportunity yet and let him play 66 games there. Wynns went through several organizations over the next few years, eventually landing in Cincinnati in 2024.
Wynns had several productive offensive seasons in the minors, but that never translated into major league success. That changed when he joined the Reds. Wynns went 7-for-19 with four extra base hits in his first year in Cincinnati, although a shoulder injury cut his season short. He recorded a 35.7% hit rate in that short sample, which was more than 8% better than his previous career best mark. Wynns maintained these gains in 2025, slashing .400/.442/.700 in 18 games with the Reds. He wasn’t as productive in Athletics, but in 40 games between the two teams he recorded a hefty 46.6% hit rate. Wynns’ barrel rate was an excellent 9.6% over 110 plate appearances.
Langeliers is coming off a breakout campaign and will take the majority of the catching reps. If Wynns can maintain the improvement he has shown at the plate, he will be a useful backup option. Athletics may need to add some more depth to the position after the loss Willie McIver to the Rangers via waiver claim.
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