Austin Wells Joins the Youth Movement, could 2024 be a repeat of the 2017 season?

The Yankees' ongoing commitment to youth is on full display as the number 8 prospect, Austin Wells, gets the call for his big league debut. Set to make his entrance alongside top prospect Jasson Dominguez, Wells is the latest addition to the surge of youthful energy in the Yankees' lineup. His promotion follows recent call-ups of highly touted prospects Oswald Peraza and Everson Pereira, forming a promising core of emerging talent.

Minor League Career:

Despite being selected in the first round of the 2020 draft as a catcher, there have been questions about his long term position at the major league level.  Due to this, the Yankees are looking to broaden his capabilities by providing opportunities in the corner outfield as well as planning on giving him an opportunity at first base. At 24 years old, Wells might have seen his debut sooner if not for an unfortunate rib injury during spring training, leading to a delayed start.

Wells' minor league journey spans four years. In 2022, he ascended from Low A to AA, leaving an impression with a robust .227/.385/.512 slash line over 92 games, amounting to an OPS of .897. Despite missing time due to a ruptured testicle, Wells showcased his offensive prowess.

The 2023 season saw Wells split his time between A and AAA, accumulating a .243/.335/.447 slash line and an OPS of .782 across 95 games. The majority of his games were played in AA, with 58 appearances, and he demonstrated an intriguing trend by actually performing better in AAA over 32 games.

Expectations and questions:

Wells' promotion brings forth a significant question: where will he find his niche in the team's lineup? His defensive capabilities and game-calling skills have raised questions, although the forthcoming implementation of the automatic ball strike system in MLB may alleviate the need for these traditional skills. Notably, Carlos Rodon commended Wells' game calling during a rehab start in AA, suggesting his potential as a backstop.

While Wells' primary role is behind the plate, gaining reps at first base might also be explored this September, especially to keep DJ LeMahieu fresh. The allure of his left-handed power in the confines of Yankee Stadium adds a new dynamic to the lineup. With a grade of 55 Hit and 55 Power on the 20-80 scale, Wells boasts an impressive offensive skill set, and was considered one of the best offensive players in his draft.

The remainder of the season holds great promise for Wells. Wells will be the first hitter since pre-concussion Rizzo that can take advantage of the short porch for the Yankees.  If he's able to hit 5+ homers he can be considered a legitimate option in the middle of the 2024 lineup that can break the long string of righties the Yankees have been playing every night.

A Glimpse into the Future:

Wells' call-up aligns with our expectations, as highlighted in the 2023 edition of our two-part series on "How to Fix the Yankees." His arrival addresses a glaring need—a power lefty bat that has historically been a cornerstone of the Yankees' most successful teams.

Coupled with the emergence of Jasson Dominguez, Wells adds depth and dimension to the Yankees' offense. The potential for these young talents to exploit the benefits of their home stadium is tantalizing. This approach to capitalizing on the stadium's unique features is a departure from the recent teams, with Rizzo being the primary exception this season.

The Yankees' youth movement is further fortified with the inclusion of players like Volpe, Pereira, Peraza, and Dominguez, creating an exciting lineup of fresh faces. With promising young pitchers like Randy Vasquez and Will Warren also on the horizon, the future of the Yankees is bright.

As we noted in the Jasson Dominguez preview, it's all about witnessing the sparks from these prospects. It is in the realm of possibility that the 2024 Yankees mirror the electrifying ascent of the 2017 Baby Bombers, setting the stage for a thrilling journey ahead.


In Case You Missed It (ICYM):

Before you go, make sure to catch up on our recent articles, including our Jasson Dominguez preview, the comprehensive two-part series on "How to Fix the Yankees" (both the 2023 Edition and Offseason Edition), and the Yankee Status Report from August 21st to 27th.

With Austin Wells poised to make his mark and the collective energy of the Yankees' youthful talents, the stage is set for a new era in the Bronx. The dawn of a promising future is upon us, and we're here to witness every electrifying moment.

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