Padres add catcher Wynston Sawyer on minor league deal
Credit: Alan Wiltsie
The San Diego Padres bolstered their catching depth on Sunday, signing Wynston Sawyer on a minor league deal with an invite to Major League camp.
The Padres signed veteran catcher Wynston Sawyer to a minor league contract on Sunday. The 29-year-old was originally drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the eighth round of the 2010 MLB Draft, and he went to nearby Scripps Ranch High School.
The #Padres have signed C Wynston Sawyer to a minor league contract with an invite to Major League Spring Training.
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) February 21, 2021
After being drafted, Sawyer progressed through the Orioles’ farm system, having a breakout 2016 campaign — one in which he split between High-A Frederick and Double-A Bowie. Combined, the then 24-year-old posted a .286/.422/.474 slash line with 12 home runs and 54 RBI’s in 92 games.
He elected free agency after the 2016 season, signed with the Dodgers, playing 54 games for Double-A Tulsa. There, he hit .277 with four home runs and 17 RBI’s. Following the 2017 season, Sawyer elected free agency again, landing with the Minnesota Twins for the 2018 and 2019 seasons.
He split time between their Double-A and Triple-A affiliates, most recently hitting .260 in 43 games during the 2019 season while spending a good chunk of the season on the injured list. Sawyer was added to the Yankees non-roster invite for camp and was carried on the active roster, but he has yet to make his big league debut.
Obviously, with Austin Nola and Victor Caratini occupying the big league spots, this is purely a depth signing.
Padres writer/editor for East Village Times. LA Kings writer/editor for Hockey Royalty. IBWAA member.