Scouting Report: Austin Wells
New York Yankees | C
Overall
Summary
Austin Wells, Yankees catcher and 2024 Rookie of the Year finalist, is struggling significantly in 2026. Through six weeks (113 PA), he's hitting .183 with a .609 OPS, 3 HR, and 5 RBI. His .105 BA with RISP is particularly concerning. This represents a continuation of offensive decline: 2023 (.229/.322/.395), 2025 (.219/.275/.436), career (.220/.297/.410). Wells has been benched in recent games, particularly against left-handed pitchers where he's hitting below .120. Despite elite contact quality metrics (79th percentile exit velo, 84th percentile hard-hit rate) and improved walk rate (17.4%), the power production has disappeared (3 HR vs 21 last year). Manager Aaron Boone expressed faith but acknowledged the need to get Wells going. The organization faces a difficult decision about his role going forward.
Strengths
- Elite contact quality (79th percentile exit velocity, 84th percentile hard-hit rate)
- Improved walk rate at 17.4% (elite level)
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