This story was excerpted from the Yankees Beat publication. To learn the complete publication, click on right here. And subscribe to get it commonly in your inbox.
NEW YORK — Going into the 2024 season, catcher Austin Wells is ranked the No. 7 prospect within the Yankees’ farm system, in line with MLB Pipeline. He’s anticipated to be in Tampa, Fla., when pitchers and catchers report back to Spring Coaching on Feb. 14.
Throughout his time within the Minor Leagues, Wells was thought-about an offensive-minded receiver. Final season, he had a mixed slash line of .240/.333/.442 with 17 homers between Single-A Tampa, Double-A Somerset and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, incomes him his first September callup. After a sluggish begin within the massive leagues, the 24-year-old ended the yr on a excessive be aware, going 11-for-32 (.355) with 4 house runs and 9 RBIs in his closing eight video games.
Earlier than Wells’ good run, opposing pitchers had been beginning him off with breaking balls, as he was recognized to chase these pitches whereas falling behind within the depend. By late September, nevertheless, he discovered to be affected person and was constantly getting on base.
“As soon as I used to be in a position to determine that out — a minimum of a bit bit — I used to be in a position to click on and be a bit extra affected person, and I obtained much more pitches to hit,” Wells stated through phone. “[The Yankees] gave me the arrogance to go on the market in that final month and … achieve success. Having the data that we get from the hitting division, [the team] confirmed me the numbers and made me tighten up my zone — get my pitch that I’m trying to hit.”
Wells is working exhausting this offseason to stay constant within the batter’s field, spending more often than not at George M. Steinbrenner Subject in Tampa. His objectives are to construct relationships with the pitching employees whereas persevering with to work on his blocking, throwing and receiving expertise.
“These [last] three points of the sport are what catchers are judged on today,” Wells stated. “I wish to proceed to construct off the work I’ve had since I obtained drafted, actually. It has been a three-, four-year course of to get the place I’m at. I wish to proceed to construct off it in each space. I’m making an attempt to get one p.c higher in all these areas. That’s all I can actually do and I’m wanting ahead to having a chance to construct upon it this yr.”
On the Yankees’ depth chart, Wells is listed because the No. 2 catcher behind Jose Trevino. Nevertheless, Wells’ sights are set excessive. He hopes to battle for the beginning job in addition to assist New York win its first World Collection since 2009. He’s already considering like a Yankee.
“If you’re making an attempt to be a backup, you might be within the mistaken sport,” Wells stated. “Baseball is unquestionably one of many extra aggressive sports activities in relation to making an attempt to have a job. Getting into making an attempt to be the starter, believing you have to be the starter and dealing to be a starter is actually the one mindset and selection you can have if you’re a baseball participant.
“A participant’s success is measured in numerous other ways, however for us, being profitable is ending up with the ring. That’s going to be the focus of the yr for certain. Personally, I wish to contribute to that in any approach attainable. Regardless of the group wants is what I’m going to do … to assist us attain our objectives.”
