Austin Wynns
Robert Austin Wynns (born December 10, 1990) is an American professional baseball catcher for the Oakland Athletics of Major League Baseball (MLB).[1][2] Drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 10th round of the 2013 MLB Draft from Fresno State University, Wynns made his MLB debut with the Orioles on June 5, 2018, after progressing through their minor league system.[1][2] Throughout his career, Wynns has served primarily as a backup catcher, known for his defensive skills behind the plate and occasional offensive contributions in limited playing time.[2] He spent his first four MLB seasons (2018–2021) with the Orioles, appearing in 89 games and posting a .244 batting average with 7 home runs.[2] In 2022, he joined the San Francisco Giants, where he played 65 games and batted .259 with 3 home runs, establishing himself as a reliable reserve option.[2] Wynns signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers as a free agent in April 2023 before being claimed off waivers by the Colorado Rockies later that year, then signed with the Cincinnati Reds as a free agent ahead of the 2024 season.[2][3] In 2024 with the Reds and 2025 split between the Reds and Athletics, Wynns showed improved power at the plate, slashing .368/.400/.579 in limited action during 2024 and .291/.321/.544 with 6 home runs and 21 RBIs over 40 games in 2025.[2] On November 6, 2025, he agreed to a one-year, $1.1 million contract with the Athletics to avoid arbitration, securing his role for the 2026 season.[4] Over his seven MLB seasons through 2025, Wynns has appeared in 237 games, maintaining a career .239 batting average with 19 home runs and 84 RBIs, while also occasionally pitching in emergency situations with a 12.00 ERA in three appearances.[1][2]Early life and amateur career
Early life
Robert Austin Wynns was born on December 10, 1990, in San Diego, California.[1] He grew up in the Poway area of San Diego with his parents, Jeff and Laura Wynns, and his brother Dalton and sisters Summer and Holli.[5][6][7] Wynns' early exposure to baseball came through youth leagues in Southern California, where he began playing Little League at the age of six in Poway. This local environment, rich in baseball culture near San Diego's professional scene, fostered his initial passion for the sport.High school career
Wynns attended Poway High School in Poway, California, where he played baseball as a catcher.[8] He lettered for two years on the varsity team and contributed to the program's success, including California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) championships in 2008 and 2009.[8] In his senior season of 2009, Wynns batted .390 with five home runs and 37 RBIs, showcasing strong offensive production as a power-hitting catcher.[9] Defensively, he excelled behind the plate with a .996 fielding percentage and a .381 caught stealing percentage across 35 games.[10] His performance earned him first-team all-league honors in the Palomar League, along with Player of the Year recognition.[11] Wynns drew recruitment interest from colleges, including Fresno State and Indiana, before committing to Fresno State University to continue his baseball career.[8]College career
Austin Wynns enrolled at California State University, Fresno (Fresno State) in 2010, where he played college baseball for the Bulldogs as a catcher through the 2013 season.[1] As a freshman in 2010, Wynns appeared in 32 games with limited starts, batting .189 (7-for-37) and recording 6 RBIs while the Bulldogs finished first in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) regular season with a 16-8 record.[12][13] His sophomore year in 2011 marked a significant improvement, as he became a regular starter and hit .326 with 2 home runs, 9 doubles, and 21 RBIs over 56 games, helping Fresno State finish first in the WAC regular season (17-7) and win the conference tournament.[12][14][15] In 2012, Wynns continued his development by showcasing gap power, batting .284 with 22 doubles (a team high), 30 RBIs, and no home runs in 58 games, contributing to Fresno State's WAC tournament victory as the fifth seed despite a middling regular-season conference finish.[12][16] Entering his senior season in 2013, following the program's move to the Mountain West Conference, Wynns batted .279 with 3 home runs, 10 doubles, 2 triples, and 24 RBIs in 53 games (49 starts), splitting time between catcher and first base.[12][8] Defensively, he excelled with a .992 fielding percentage, committing just 3 errors in 338 total chances.[8] Over his four collegiate seasons, Wynns appeared in 199 games, compiling a .289 batting average, 5 home runs, 41 doubles, and 81 RBIs, evolving from a raw freshman into a steady contributor with enhanced power to the gaps and over the fence.[12] His progress as a defensive catcher, highlighted by his strong arm and reliability behind the plate, positioned him for professional baseball.[8] Wynns was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 10th round (309th overall) of the 2013 Major League Baseball Draft.[1]| Year | Games | AB | BA | HR | RBI | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 (Fr.) | 32 | 37 | .189 | 0 | 6 | Limited role |
| 2011 (So.) | 56 | 175 | .326 | 2 | 21 | WAC tournament champions |
| 2012 (Jr.) | 58 | 194 | .284 | 0 | 30 | 22 doubles; WAC tournament champions |
| 2013 (Sr.) | 53 | 172 | .279 | 3 | 24 | .992 FP; 3 errors in 338 chances |