3 free agent catchers the Reds could sign this offseason to add depth to the roster

2. Reds could sign free agent catcher Austin Wynns

Austin Wynns bounced around a lot in 2023. The San Francisco Giants designated Wynns for assignment shortly after the new year began. The Giants needed to make room for newly signed outfielder Michael Conforto, and Wynns was DFA'd.

The catcher then latched on with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but after five games, Wynns was relieved of his duties. Finally, the veteran landed with the Colorado Rockies. After appearing in just 45 games this past season, Wynns was outrighted following the season and chose free agency.

Wynns is a glove-first catcher. Throughout his major league career, Wynn has hit just .226. But with Tyler Stephenson's below-average defense, perhaps the Reds would be interested in adding some insurance this offseason.

According to Baseball Savant, Wynn was one of the best when it came to throwing out runners at second base. The same cannot be said for Stephenson whose defensive ratings, by almost every metric, were below-average.

The only issue is that Austin Wynns no longer has any minor league options remaining. If the Reds inked the 33-year-old to a major league contract, he'd have to pass through waivers and accept an assignment at Triple-A Louisville if he didn't break onto the Opening Day roster.

The Cincinnati Reds are lacking catching depth throughout their minor league system. In addition to Chuckie Robinson, the Reds also lost Johnny Pererda this past offseason. Adding a veteran backstop like Wynns would bolster the team's depth and experience in the minors.