Veteran catcher Austin Wynns’ future is becoming a hot topic in the MLB community after the Athletics designated him for assignment mid-season. But what surprised fans even more was Wynns’s rumored desire shared with close associates: he wants another chance to play for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

According to several sources in American baseball, Wynns still holds the Dodgers in high regard – a team he briefly played for but which left a lasting impression with its professional environment, winning culture, and organizational structure. After being removed from the Athletics roster, the 35-year-old catcher is reportedly prioritizing an opportunity with a true contender rather than continuing with a rebuilding team.

The DFA’s decision regarding Austin Wynns came after the Athletics reactivated their number one catcher, Shea Langeliers, from their paternity leave list. To make room on the roster, the team decided to keep Jonah Heim and remove Wynns from the MLB roster. That was a disappointing end to his short stint at Oakland.
In the 2026 season, Wynns only averaged .077 batting in his first 14 games — a figure too low to secure a place on the roster at a time when the Athletics needed to strengthen their squad depth.

However, many MLB experts believe that offensive statistics don’t fully reflect Wynns’ value.

For many years, he was highly regarded for:

his ability to work with pitchers

his clubhouse experience

his consistent defensive skills

and the professionalism of a veteran catcher

MLB Trade Rumors suggest that despite his limited offensive output, Wynns is still the type of catcher many contender teams might need mid-season due to his ability to support pitching staff.

Despite his brief stint with the Dodgers previously, Wynns maintains a positive connection with the organization.

According to several internal sources, he once highly valued:

the Dodgers’ player development system

the clubhouse culture

the way the team supports veteran players

and the professional competitive environment in Los Angeles

This made his desire to return to the Dodgers more than simply seeking playing opportunities.

It also carried an emotional element.

A source close to Wynns revealed that the veteran catcher “has always felt the Dodgers are one of the most professional places he’s ever played.”

This is a question that is currently being debated.

Currently, the Dodgers still possess a relatively stable catcher depth. But MLB seasons are long, and teams competing in the World Series always prioritize adding veteran depth for the final stages of the season.

Wynns may not be a name that will make big headlines.

But he fits the type of player the Dodgers typically favor:

experienced

willing to take on a backup role

willing to avoid drama in the clubhouse

and willing to assist pitching staff at any time.

In particular, Wynns’ handling of pitchers has long been highly regarded by professionals. MLB Trade Rumors have highlighted that many teams still see him as a catcher with significant defensive value despite inconsistent batting.

At 35, Austin Wynns understands that his time in MLB is running out.

That’s why this DFA assignment is so significant for his career.

If he doesn’t find a new team soon, he may be forced to accept a minor league assignment or even face the risk of leaving MLB. According to regulations, Wynns has the right to refuse a minor league assignment if he clears waivers and becomes a free agent.

But those who have followed him for a long time believe Wynns doesn’t want to end his career this way.

Sources close to him indicate he still believes he can contribute to a contender team — especially as a backup catcher and veteran clubhouse presence.

Immediately after news of his desire to return to the Dodgers emerged, the Los Angeles fanbase quickly split into factions.

Some argued:

The Dodgers should prioritize developing young catchers

and don’t need more veteran depth.

However, many other fans believe Wynns is a useful player for the long term.

On social media, many recalled the Dodgers’ past success with veteran role players who weren’t flashy but were extremely valuable in the clubhouse.

There are currently no signs that the Dodgers are in formal negotiations with Wynns.

However, MLB is always volatile:

injuries

a packed schedule

and the need for depth at the end of the season

can change things very quickly.

For Wynns, just one chance to return to a contender like the Dodgers could be enough to save the final stretch of his career.

Austin Wynns was never a superstar.

He wasn’t a catcher who generated massive statistics or received extensive media coverage.

But in MLB, players like him are sometimes exceptionally valuable—especially to championship-contending teams.

After the shock of being cut from the Athletics, his desire to return to the Dodgers shows Wynns hasn’t given up on his dream of continuing to play at the highest level.

And in a long and unpredictable MLB season, no one can be sure the story between Austin Wynns and Los Angeles is truly over.