What’s cooking with Austin Wells? The NY Yankees catcher seems not to be in good shape to take the opening-day lead. Yes, the way the Yankees are sharing contradicting updates about Wells, rumors about his injury are only gaining traction. MLB analyst Talkin’ Yanks just focused on how something seems not right with Austin Wells. So, what secrets are the Yankees trying to keep away from the public eye, if any?
For the 2025 season, the Yankees took the risk to go with Austin alone without any veteran backups. Ben Rice, another rookie, is only kept in the catcher rotation, and this shows what Well’s absence means to the team. However, Wells has yet to hit the ground in the ongoing spring training, and an official statement says he is going slow, but why so when the regular season is just about to start? What’s ahead for the team then, with or without Austin Wells?
Confusion regarding Austin Wells
Austin Wells got a fair last year season both as a slugger and catcher. He ended 2024 with 150+ HRs and 143 RBIs, with a BA of .718. This includes his postseason performance of 2 homers and 4 RBIs. As a catcher, he showed strong defensive skills, particularly in framing pitches. He ranked third in catcher framing runs (11) and tied for fourth in fielding run value (12) among Major League catchers in 2024. Thus, Austin Wells is too good for the Yankees to not field him. However, while all players were already on the ground for spring training, Austin Wells was nowhere to be seen. Injury, or just going slow?
The Austin Wells situation is beyond bizarre pic.twitter.com/7ORVVvIDvI
— Talkin’ Yanks (@TalkinYanks) February 19, 2025
“The Austin Wells situation is beyond bizarre,” said MLB analyst Talkin’ Yanks. As per their reports, the NY Yankees manager Aaron Boone noted Wells would not play in the first week of spring training games. He explained that he wanted to manage the talented catcher’s workload wisely early on. Last year’s workload may probably have taken a toll on his fitness, considering he played 115 regular season and 14 postseason games last year. “Wells isn’t taking swings now. He’s just not ready yet,” added Boone. This indicates an injury scare with Wells that is yet to be officially disclosed by the Yankees.
Options left for the Yankees
Who can take the charge if Austin Wells cannot be fielded? The Yankees haven’t placed any experienced catcher on their active roster. The rookie catcher, Ben Rice, is there on the team, but he just played 50 games last year. He ended 2024 with 7 homers and 23 RBIs, which are not enough to fill the shoes of Austin Wells. The Yankees need a tenured guy to replace Wells, but their active roster doesn’t have any. Hence, the team needs to look at their non-active roster!
Veteran Alex Jackson, whom the Yankees got last year, seems to be the best option to replace Wells. He is ranked in the 81st percentile of major league catchers in framing, offering ample reliability in the absence of Austin Wells. This will open a door of opportunity for Jackson to get promoted to the major. While Jackson played 58 games last year for the Bay Rays, slashing .122/.201/.237 with 3 HRs and 12 RBIs, he is primarily a minor league player. Considering his experience since his debut in 2019, he can come in handy in high-leverage situations.
Nevertheless, Austin Wells is the best catcher the NY Yankees have with them. Considering his importance to the team, the Yankees should come out clean about what’s going on with him. What do you think about Austin Wells not hitting the ground yet? Share your views with us below.
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