Atlanta Braves Acquire Veteran Catcher Austin Wynns from Angels in Roster Shake-up

The Atlanta Braves acquired 35-year-old catcher Austin Wynns from the Los Angeles Angels in a cash transaction and selected his contract to the major league roster. Wynns will split catching responsibilities with Sandy Leon as the Braves manage their backstop rotation. The move came as part of a broader roster reconfiguration that included designating Chadwick Tromp for assignment.

Roster Context and Moves

Wynns signed a minor league deal with the Angels only weeks before the trade but did not appear in any games for Los Angeles. The Braves simultaneously transferred catcher Sean Murphy to the 60-day injured list, creating the necessary roster spot. This change signals that Murphy's injury will require extended recovery time, forcing Atlanta to address depth at the position.

Chadwick Tromp, who appeared in 12 games for the Braves, was designated for assignment in the corresponding move. Tromp compiled a .200 batting average across 27 plate appearances with the organization. He spent most of the past five seasons in the Braves minor league system and may return to the organization if he clears waivers.

Wynns' Defensive Profile

Over his 826 major league plate appearances across nine seasons, Wynns has played for the Reds, Athletics, Orioles, Giants, Dodgers, and Rockies, posting a career .231 batting average. While his offensive production remains below average, his defensive credentials provide value behind the plate. Wynns has thrown out 30.2% of attempted base thieves in the majors, matching his career minor league rate of 31%.

Statcast evaluates Wynns as solid at blocking pitches in the dirt, though he does not receive premium framing grades. The Braves also selected outfielder DaShawn Keirsey Jr. to the 40-man roster before immediately optioning him to Triple-A Gwinnett. Keirsey, 29, has a minor league opt-out clause, and the Braves elected to protect his contract by elevating him to avoid losing him to free agency.