The young catcher has proven his credentials to keep the position in the future, after the instability that the “Bronx Bombers” have had in recent years.
Fill the vacancy of receiver for any team of Major Leagues It is a very difficult challenge. The catcher is basically the brain of each team’s defensive operation, not only having to take charge of the organization of the defense in the infield, but also of carrying the pitches, trying to turn balls into strikes, keeping opposing runners at bay so they don’t steal multiple bases, especially under the new rules, but, above all, playing the defensive position that requires the most physical demand every time they put on the mask.
There are so many details that must be taken into account to be a good catcher, that it is easy to understand why not all MLB teams have had an elite catcher, remembered by all their fans and even by rival teams. In the particular case of New York Yankeeswhen you think of a receiver, it is impossible not to think of Jorge Posadawho for 17 years remained one of the most visible pieces of the team, despite the fact that from 2000 to 2011 (the year of his retirement), he shared the catcher’s position with 23 other catchers who wore the striped uniform.
Austin Wells is enjoying a strong first season as a starter in MLB. Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
Since then, the Yankees’ catching has been a constant in and out with players like Russell Martin taking over for a couple of seasons, followed by names like Chris Stewart, Brian McCann, Gary Sanchez, Austin Romine, Jose Trevino y Kyle Higashioka. However, since last year and throughout the current season, Austin Wellsat just 25 years old, seems to be the man called to take charge of the “Bronx Bombers” catcher’s office for the next few years.
Wellswho was born in Scottsdale Arizona, also being of Dominican descent, was selected by the Yankees in two different drafts (2018 and 2020), being chosen in the first round during the most recent one. In the minor leagues he pulverized the pitching for three seasons (291 games) before being called up to the “Big Top” and since then, he has remained the starting catcher of the squad, especially in 2024.
Editorial Selections
The question here is, what makes you think that Wells may break the cycle of instability in the reception of the Yankees?
Wells He combines great defense with quality hitting for a catcher and the ability, at 25 years old, to handle the pitch in a magnificent way. Wells He ranks among the top three pitchers at turning balls into strikes and is fourth in the fielding department, which takes into account blocking, throwing and framing, according to Baseball Savant. Added to this is the fact that he has 10 defensive runs saved (DRS) in 770.1 defensive innings.
Offensively, his 118 OPS+, coupled with a .252 batting average, .779 OPS, 13 home runs and 49 RBIs in 101 games show that he is a great hitter, but his true value comes to light when he is placed as the team’s cleanup hitter, hitting .310 with a .903 OPS, six home runs and 28 RBIs.
All of these stats make him a solid candidate for the NBA Rookie of the Year award. American Leaguewho, if he wins, would be the first recipient to do so since 2010, when Buster Posey He won it, but it would be the first time since 1990 in the “Young Circuit” that he would take home the prize, since Sandy Alomar Jr.
In short, with the receiver position it is very difficult to project how good he will be or how long his career will be due to the physical demands of the position, but at least at the beginning of his career, Austin Wells Mark all the characteristics that show that the Yankees They weren’t wrong to select him twice in different drafts to become the future of the position.
