Austin Wells: The Yankees' Catcher at a Crossroads
When Austin Wells was making waves in the Yankees' minor league system, it was his bat that had everyone talking. Fast forward to his first three years in the majors, and it's his defense that has taken center stage. Despite a promising start, Wells has only managed one above-average offensive season since his debut, which speaks volumes about his current standing in the league.
Last season, Wells showed some power with 21 home runs, but his batting average and on-base percentage took a nosedive. His plate discipline is a significant concern, but if he can improve his contact in the zone, there's hope.
He has the power to send balls flying over the right field wall at Yankee Stadium, but his tendency to whiff and miss contact is a big hurdle. The Yankees know there's more potential in him.
The Impact of the ABS System
With the introduction of the ABS system in 2026, framing is no longer a key metric for catchers, and that's been Wells' bread and butter. In 2025, Wells was a defensive standout, ranking in the 96th percentile for framing, saving the Yankees about 12 runs by turning borderline pitches into strikes. But with robot umpires now calling balls and strikes, that skill is rendered obsolete.
Wells' defensive prowess was all about manipulating the strike zone. His elite framing saved the Yankees significant runs, making up for his offensive struggles.
But with the new technology in place, that advantage is gone, leaving him as a rather average defensive catcher. His pop time and blocking stats show he's merely decent in traditional defensive aspects.
The Yankees are banking on his bat to justify his role.
Boone's Challenge: Better Plate Discipline
Aaron Boone has made it clear what he expects from Wells this year: improved control in the strike zone and smarter swing decisions. Wells' chase rate jumped from 25.5% in 2024 to 29.3% in 2025, dropping him from the 70th to the 41st percentile among hitters. Chasing nearly 30% of pitches outside the zone gives pitchers a clear strategy to exploit.
His wRC+ fell from 107 in 2024 to 94 in 2025, marking a shift from a productive catcher to a below-average hitter. Over 448 plate appearances, Wells slashed .219/.275/.436 with 21 home runs and 71 RBIs. While the power was there, his approach was all-or-nothing, and the underlying metrics suggest even his .219 average was generous.
The Advanced Metrics: A Mixed Bag
Wells' Baseball Savant profile highlights both his challenges and potential solutions. His xwOBA of .294 and xBA of .214 suggest his actual average might have been kind. His strikeout and walk rates paint a picture of offensive struggle.
Yet, there are positives. His average exit velocity and barrel rate show he has the raw power.
When he connects, he can be dangerous. His hard-hit rate and bat speed suggest his swing isn't the issue.
The real problem is decision-making. Wells' low sweet-spot percentage and high strikeout rate indicate he's chasing bad pitches and missing good ones. He's solid against fastballs but struggles mightily with breaking and offspeed pitches.
Career Trajectory: A Need for Rebound
Wells' career trajectory shows a worrying trend. After a promising debut in 2023, he improved in 2024, even earning Rookie of the Year finalist consideration.
But 2025 saw a steep decline. His on-base percentage dropped significantly, and his offensive output fell below league average.
With his defensive edge gone, the Yankees have no clear backup plan as Ben Rice moves to first base full-time.
The Path Forward
"The fix is simpler than most people think," says Andres Chavez of Empire Sports Media. Wells needs to tighten his zone, force pitchers to throw strikes, and cut down on low-leverage swings. When he stays disciplined, his hard-hit rate shows he can deliver.
The Yankees believe in Wells' ability to adjust, having seen glimpses of it in 2024. His physical tools are evident, but developing consistent plate discipline is crucial. Boone's comments are a clear directive: Wells' future in the Bronx hinges on offensive improvement.
Wells has the time to prove himself, but the pressure is on. With his defensive skillset diminished by rule changes, his performance at the plate will decide his fate as the Yankees' catcher or as a cautionary tale of lost value. The talent is there; now it's about discipline.