Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds Getting Historic Production From Bottom of Lineup

Between Carson Kelly and Austin Wynns, the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds have both had veteran catchers post a historic OPS in the early goings of the season.

Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds catcher Austin Wynns (38) runs to third on a double hit by outfielder TJ Friedl (not pictured) in the third inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park. | Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Austin Wynns may have been the Cincinnati Reds’ No. 9 hitter on Wednesday, but he certainly didn’t play like it.

The journeyman catcher was a triple shy of the cycle against the Miami Marlins, going 3-for-4 with a double, a home run and two RBIs. Wynns is now batting .500 with a 1.421 OPS through 10 games this season, routinely filling one of the bottom two spots in the Reds’ lineup.

Wynns’ breakout is similar to Carson Kelly’s from earlier in the season. In his first 10 games with the Chicago Cubs, Kelly posted a 1.538 OPS filling the same role as Wynns.

According to OptaSTATS, Kelly’s OPS was the second-highest by any player to hit eighth or later in the lineup in their first 10 games of a season in the live ball era, which dates back to 1920. Wynns now ranks No. 4 on that same list.

Sandy Alomar Jr. owns the all-time record at 1.739, while Jim Tobin is between Kelly and Wynns at 1.484.

Highest OPS by Player to Hit 8th or Later in Lineup in First 10 Games of Season – Live Ball Era (since 1920, minimum 25 PA)

1997 Sandy Alomar Jr. 1.739
2025 Carson Kelly 1.538
1942 Jim Tobin 1.484
2025 Austin Wynns 1.420 pic.twitter.com/0e6twKx1Jz

— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) April 23, 2025

While the pair of NL Central catchers were not expected to post video game numbers in 2025, both Kelly and Wynns have ascended to consistent roles thanks to their surprise breakouts.

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