Reds’ roster worry just became reality after Dodgers’ quiet move

The Cincinnati Reds have held on to three catchers for more than a month and the fanbase has had enough. The idea of keeping three backstops is even more ridiculous when you learn that Austin Wynns hasn't started a game behind the plate since the end of April. The Los Angeles Dodgers, however, just made a recent addition to their roster and it reveals exactly why Cincinnati has been so adamant about keeping Wynns around.

Last weekend, the Dodgers claimed former Reds catcher Chuckie Robinson off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels. Robinson was optioned to the minors and is currently hanging the signs for the Dodgers' pitching prospects at Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Robinson hasn't had a big league at-bat since 2024 with the Chicago White Sox. In 27 minor league games with the Salt Lake Bees this season, he hit .272/.315/.388 with eight extra-base hits including a home run.

Dodgers addition of Chuckie Robinson proves that the Reds would lose Austin Wynns if he was DFA'd

If a team like the Dodgers are going to pick up a minor-league journeyman catcher like Robinson, you can bet your bottom dollar that Wynns wouldn't last three seconds on the waiver wire if the Reds designated him for assignment. A backup catcher is one of the most valuable commodities, and when you look at Wynns' slash line, you understand why another ball club would undoubtedly take a flier on him.

With Tyler Stephenson on the IL to start the season, Wynns was added to the Reds Opening Day roster. Backing up Jose Trevino, Wynns hit .394/.444/.697 with three home runs and 11 RBI in 12 appearances. But since Stephenson returned to the Reds lineup, Wynns has been the very definition of a bench warmer.

He's had one start (at first base) since May 1 and has only appeared in six games. Surprisingly, despite the lack of ABs, Wynns is still 3-for-7 during that stretch with a pair of doubles. If that's what Wynns can do with minimal playing time, just think how well he might produce if he played at least two to three times per week.

Once the Reds finally decide to DFA Wynns (and they will), he'll be picked up by another team and added to their active roster. Cincinnati reporter Mike Patraglia, however, noted on Monday that Stephenson was taking reps at first base. Whether this is a sign of things to come in order to keep Wynns on the roster is unknown, but it could be something worthing keeping an eye on.

The Reds have virutally zero catching depth in the minor leagues. Alfredo Duno is their top catching prospect, but he's still in Low-A. Cincinnati may need to keep Wynns around for a little while longer, but it's becoming rather difficult to justify.

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