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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 of 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 huge leagues, the 24-year-old ended the 12 months on a excessive observe, going 11-for-32 (.355) with 4 dwelling runs and 9 RBIs in his last 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, nonetheless, he realized to be affected person and was persistently getting on base.
“As soon as I used to be in a position to determine that out — a minimum of slightly bit — I used to be in a position to click on and be slightly extra affected person, and I received much more pitches to hit,” Wells mentioned by way of 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 arduous this offseason to stay constant within the batter’s field, spending more often than not at George M. Steinbrenner Subject in Tampa. His targets are to construct relationships with the pitching employees whereas persevering with to work on his blocking, throwing and receiving expertise.
“These [last] three elements of the sport are what catchers are judged on as of late,” Wells mentioned. “I need to proceed to construct off the work I’ve had since I received drafted, actually. It has been a three-, four-year course of to get the place I’m at. I need 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 possibility to construct upon it this 12 months.”
On the Yankees’ depth chart, Wells is listed because the No. 2 catcher behind Jose Trevino. Nonetheless, Wells’ sights are set excessive. He hopes to battle for the beginning job in addition to assist New York win its first World Sequence since 2009. He’s already pondering like a Yankee.
“In case you are making an attempt to be a backup, you’re within the fallacious sport,” Wells mentioned. “Baseball is certainly one of many extra aggressive sports activities in the case of making an attempt to have a job. Entering into making an attempt to be the starter, believing you ought to be the starter and dealing to be a starter is de facto the one mindset and selection you could have if you’re a baseball participant.
“A participant’s success is measured in lots of other ways, however for us, being profitable is ending up with the ring. That’s going to be the point of interest of the 12 months for positive. Personally, I need to contribute to that in any approach attainable. Regardless of the workforce wants is what I’m going to do … to assist us attain our targets.”