Wild Things add one, trade Wilder
The Wild Things signed another player who has experience in the Frontier League and said goodbye to their second baseman for the past two years as they prepare their roster for the 2026 season.
Washington announced Thursday that it has signed utilityman Graham Brown, who spent last season in the Frontier League with Evansville and had a productive rookie season for the Otters.
That signing came on the heels of a trade Wednesday night that sent second baseman Ethan Wilder to the Chicago Dogs of the American Association in exchange for future considerations.
Brown, a Maryland native, adds to the long list of former Coastal Carolina University players who have signed with the Wild Things. He played at Coastal Carolina for three seasons (2022-24) and hit 29 home runs over the final two years. In 2024, Brown was a first team All-Sun Belt Conference selection when he batted .353 with 12 home runs, 18 doubles and 10 stolen bases.
He made his pro debut with Evansville last summer and played in 94 games for the Otters. Brown batted .279 and had almost 40 extra-base hits, including 26 doubles and 12 home runs. He stole 15 bases.
Brown played 72 games in the outfield for Evansville. He is listed as an infielder on the roster posted on the Wild Things’ website.
Wilder traded: Wilder was the Wild Things’ primary second baseman for the past two seasons, after he was signed in 2024 out of Division II Lander University. He batted .281 with Washington and last summer was a midseason all-star selection, so replacing his production could be difficult.
He is the second player Washington has dealt to Chicago this offseason. The Wild Things sent first baseman Tyreque Reed to the Dogs in January, also in exchange for future considerations.
Free exhibition game: Washington will play one home exhibition game this spring that will be open to the public and with no admission fee. Fans must still reserve their tickets online for the game, against the Lake Erie Crushers, on Saturday, May 2. Game time will be 7:05 p.m.
The Wild Things will play four more exhibition games, two on the road and two at home. The latter will not be open to the public.
Washington begins its 24th Frontier League season May 7 at Windy City. The home opener will be May 15 against Schaumburg.