Baseball season is finally under way, and the New York Yankees are off to a hot start. Sporting a highly competitive roster this year, the Yankees may have identified an x-factor aside from their established big bats, as Austin Wells will be important on both sides of the field.
The Yankees are beginning the season with a vengeance after losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2024 World Series. Their offseason moves were to fill holes and improve aspects of the roster.
One area of question was behind the dish. The club entered the offseason with confidence in the catcher position, with Wells as the first-string option, followed by J.C. Escarra. Wells is known to have a consistent work ethic, which was on display in the spring.
The Yankees catcher finished spring training with a .348 batting average, .400 on-base percentage, and .783 slugging percentage. The transformation of his physicality and the polishing of his tools put Wells in a position to be an x-factor.
Austin Wells makes it FOUR home runs in the 1st inning 🤯 pic.twitter.com/I5BX8Ep149
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Austin Wells’ Offense Could Be an X-Factor in the Bronx
The Yankees catcher showed up to spring training in top physical shape, and ready to work. His preseason showcase was enough to satisfy New York that he is their guy moving forward. In 16 spring training games, he recorded 46 at-bats that led to 16 hits, six home runs, 12 RBI, and 36 total bases.
Wells is a playmaker with the bat, displaying a very aggressive approach along with patience and pitch recognition. When you think offensive catcher, you automatically think sixth to eighth spot in the lineup.
Aaron Boone and the Yankees perceived Wells’ abilities differently. They tested him in the leadoff spot during the spring and were satisfied. The left-handed hitting catcher would hit leadoff on Opening Day in the Bronx.
This led to a 348-foot home run to right field off Milwaukee Brewers starter Freddy Peralta to kick off the Yankees’ first inning. In game two of this series, the Yankees moved Wells down to the seventh spot, purely out of strategy. He homered once again.
Wells finished 2024 with a .229 batting average, .322 on-base percentage, and a .395 slugging percentage. This season, he’s projected to surpass the majority of his offensive numbers from 2024. With a strong left-handed bat and a short porch in right field, Yankee Stadium could be more of a playground for the catcher.
Wells’ Defense Provides a Boost
The offensive side of Wells’ game is crucial. His ability to hit has shown out this season. The other concern is his defensive capabilities. Overall, his defense in 2024 was satisfactory, despite the 11 errors.
He allowed only five passed balls along with 64 stolen bases allowed, catching 22 for a 25.6% caught-stealing percentage.
His biggest improvements could be in his ability to throw guys out and in controlling the running game. Of 66 catchers in 2024, Wells ranked 32nd for throwing runners out. The better feeds he gets from his pitchers this season, the better chance he’ll have.
Wells’ physicality, his baseball IQ, competitive approach, and care for his pitchers will be of great value all around. The Yankees can rely on Austin Wells as an x-factor.
Photo Credit: © Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
