The Chicago Cubs added veteran catching depth Tuesday, signing Austin Wynns to a minor league contract and assigning him to Triple-A Iowa.
Iowa Cubs broadcaster Jason Kempf first reported the move ahead of the Cubs’ series against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix.
“Many have believed the Cubs would be adding a veteran catcher late this season as insurance for the big league club. Austin Wynns is joining the @IowaCubs today and fits that bill. Parts of eight years in MLB, including stints this season with the A’s, Braves and Rangers,” Kempf wrote.
Wynns, 35, brings extensive experience to the organization. Selected in the 10th round of the 2013 MLB Draft out of Fresno State by the Baltimore Orioles, he has appeared in parts of eight major league seasons. His big-league stops include the Orioles, San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers, Colorado Rockies, Cincinnati Reds, Athletics, Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers.
In 312 career games, Wynns holds a .230 batting average with 185 hits, 20 home runs, 85 RBIs, 83 runs scored and two stolen bases. His career on-base percentage sits at .274 with a .344 slugging percentage for a .618 OPS.
This season has seen Wynns bounce between three teams. He posted a combined .146 average in 82 at-bats with the Athletics, Braves and Rangers, collecting 12 hits, one home run and one RBI.
Defensively, Wynns has built a reputation as a reliable backup. Across his career he has thrown out nearly 29 percent of attempted base stealers, and recent seasons have shown stronger results closer to 40 percent in some campaigns.
The Cubs sit in second place in the National League Central with a 76-56 record through 132 games. They entered Tuesday’s contest against the Diamondbacks after a 7-0 victory Monday, powered by seven shutout innings from Kevin Gausman and a three-hit performance including a home run from Michael Conforto.
Primary catcher Carson Kelly remains a key piece for Chicago, but the late-season addition of Wynns provides organizational insurance as the club pushes toward the postseason.
Wynns most recently appeared with the Rangers after signing a minor league deal with them in June. He saw time at Triple-A Round Rock before a brief major league stint.
After being designated for assignment and clearing waivers, he elected free agency last week, opening the door for the Cubs to bring him aboard. The move fits a common pattern for contending teams seeking experienced catchers who can handle pitchers and step in if needed.
Wynns’ familiarity with multiple pitching staffs and his ability to contribute off the bench make him a sensible depth option.
Following the remaining games in Arizona, the Cubs return home to face the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field. Wynns is expected to report to Iowa and remain available should the major league club require additional catching help down the stretch.
Career totals show Wynns has recorded 32 doubles among his hits and maintains a solid .992 fielding percentage behind the plate over nearly 2,100 innings. The signing underscores Chicago’s focus on roster flexibility during a competitive stretch of the schedule.
