The Cincinnati Reds are re-signing catcher Austin Wynns and utility player Levi Jordan for the 2025 season. Both players spent time with the Reds in 2024, though they also played in Triple-A.
Austin Wynns first joined the Reds in December 2023 on a major league contract, but was designated for assignment just over two weeks later. After clearing waivers, he was sent to Triple-A, though he received an invitation to major league spring training shortly thereafter.
Throughout the season, Wynns split time between Louisville and Cincinnati, playing 38 games until a right teres major tear ended his season in July. Following the 2024 season, the Reds designated him for assignment again, and he cleared waivers, opting for free agency after being sent to Triple-A. Now, he has rejoined the Reds on a minor league contract. While his deal doesn’t include a spring training invitation, it’s expected he will receive one, given his experience as a 34-year-old catcher who played in the majors last year.
Wynns is primarily known for his defense but also performed well offensively when needed. In his seven games with the Reds, he hit .368 (7-19) with four doubles. In 31 games with Louisville, he posted a .250/.307/.404 line, including four doubles and four home runs.
With much of the team’s catching depth lost to free agency after 2024, Wynns’ return provides another option in the minors in case of injury to Tyler Stephenson or Jose Trevino, giving the big league club a potential replacement.
Levi Jordan is also returning to the Reds on a minor league deal. He made his MLB debut in 2024, playing with the team for a brief period in June. In his debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates, he went 1-3 with a double and an RBI. He played a total of six games with the Reds before returning to Triple-A, where he had an impressive season. In 95 games for Louisville, Jordan hit .307/.382/.489 with 23 doubles, a triple, 13 home runs, and 10 stolen bases. Defensively, he was versatile, playing second base, third base, and all three outfield positions. Most of his time was spent at second base, but he proved capable in various roles.
