The Orioles have outrighted backup catcher Austin Wynns off the 40-man roster, reports Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com. The team has yet to formally announce the move, but Wynns, who has previously been outrighted off the 40-man roster, will be able to elect free agency.
Wynns, 30, has spent parts of three seasons in a backup capacity with the O’s, appearing in a total of 115 games and batting .216/.255/.326 in 331 trips to the plate. While the offense isn’t much to look at, Wynns has a strong defensive reputation and has been quite adept at thwarting stolen bases, with a 32 percent mark in his career and a particularly impressive 38 percent mark in 2021 (11-for-29).
Catcher figures to be an area of focus for the O’s this offseason, although with top prospect and former No. 1 overall draft pick Adley Rutschman on the horizon, they’re not likely to be in the market for a high-profile name. Veteran Pedro Severino is also on the 40-man roster at the moment, but with a projected $3.1MM salary in arbitration, he’s a clear non-tender candidate.
Assuming the club eventually moves on from Severino, the O’s could look to bring in a veteran on a non-guaranteed minor league deal — a frequent tactic for them throughout their ongoing rebuild. It’s possible that could even be Wynns on a new minor league arrangement that doesn’t require a spot on the 40-man roster. The 2013 tenth-rounder has spent his entire career in the Baltimore organization.
I’m sure the Marlins will pick him up. They are looking for every catcher they can get their hands on. You know a team is desperate when they are willing to trade a league home run/RBI leader who’s good defensively and has another year of control left just to get Alex Jackson.
I could see the Marlins signing Severino. Not to bad offensively. The defense lacks.
Orioles cannot afford to give away any WYNNS !!
This is a “win-Wynns” situation.
Even when the O’s wynn they lose.
This is a good move by the Orioles. Wynns really had no future in Baltimore.
And Severino does? He’s a terrible catcher, the only reason he still exists is that he can hit a little bit. His defense is vile.
Wynns was one of my DFA candidates, but Severino shouldn’t be far behind him.
Look at my earlier comment. I addressed Severinos positives and negatives
I guess he didn’t see your other comment. I apologize for him 🙂