30 Facts About Austin Wells

Early Life and Family Background

Austin Wells' journey to the major leagues began in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he was born into a family with a rich athletic history.

1. Birth and Early Life: Austin Kenneth Wells was born on July 12, 1999, in Scottsdale, Arizona. His parents, Greg and Michelle, were both athletes at the University of Arizona. Greg played baseball, while Michelle was a gymnast of Dominican descent.

2. Family Background: Wells grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, with two brothers, Carson and Mason. Carson is committed to play baseball at the University of Southern California (USC), and Mason is a Division I lacrosse recruit.

High School and College Career

Wells' talent became evident during his high school years, leading to a promising college career.

3. High School Career: Wells attended Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, where he played catcher for the baseball team. As a junior, he was named the Nevada Gatorade Player of the Year and a second-team All-American by USA Today.

4. Injury and Recovery: During his senior season, Wells injured his elbow, requiring surgery. This injury limited his exposure to MLB scouts, but he still managed to bat .527 with 20 doubles, six triples, and four home runs.

5. College Commitment: Despite the injury, Wells committed to play college baseball at the University of Arizona during his junior year. He chose Arizona for its coaching style, which he felt would help him develop as a player.

6. Freshman Year at Arizona: In his true freshman year, Wells excelled, batting .353 with 73 runs, 15 doubles, seven triples, five home runs, and 60 RBIs. He was named the Pac-12 Conference Freshman of the Year.

7. Cape Cod League Performance: After his freshman season, Wells played for the Yarmouth–Dennis Red Sox in the Cape Cod Baseball League. He was named a league All-Star and received the Robert A. McNeese Outstanding Pro Prospect Award after hitting .308 with seven home runs and 26 RBIs.

8. Preseason All-American: Before his sophomore season, Wells was named a second-team preseason All-American by Baseball America and the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper. He was also placed on the watchlist for the Golden Spikes Award.

9. Sophomore Season Cut Short: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Wells' sophomore season was cut short. In the 15 games he played, he batted .375 with two home runs, 14 RBIs, and a 1.116 OPS.

Path to the Major Leagues

Wells' journey through the minor leagues showcased his potential and determination.

10. Draft Eligibility: After his sophomore season, Wells became eligible for the 2020 MLB draft. His performance in college made him one of the top college hitters in his draft year.

11. First-Round Draft Pick: The New York Yankees selected Wells in the first round of the 2020 MLB draft with the 28th overall pick. He signed with the Yankees on June 25 for a $2.5 million signing bonus.

12. Minor League Assignments: In 2021, Wells began his minor league career with the Low-A Tampa Tarpons. He was promoted to the High-A Hudson Valley Renegades in late July and finished the season hitting .264/.390/.476 over 103 games with 16 home runs and 76 RBIs.

13. Arizona Fall League: After the season, the Yankees assigned Wells to the Surprise Saguaros in the Arizona Fall League. He excelled in the AFL, earning Player of the Week honors and being named an AFL Rising Star.

14. 2022 Season: In 2022, Wells began the season with Hudson Valley but was promoted to the Double-A Somerset Patriots in July. However, his season was delayed due to a broken rib sustained during spring training.

15. Promotion to Triple-A: On July 21, 2023, the Yankees promoted Wells to the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. This move was part of his continued development and preparation for the major leagues.

Major League Debut and Early Success

Wells' debut in the major leagues marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his career.

16. Major League Debut: On September 1, 2023, the Yankees promoted Wells to the major leagues for the first time. He made his debut that night, recording his first MLB hit in his first at-bat against Justin Verlander.

17. First Career Home Run: On September 20, 2023, Wells hit his first career home run, a 416-foot solo shot to right field off Erik Swanson of the Toronto Blue Jays.

18. Impactful Performances: In his early days in the major leagues, Wells played a crucial role in several games. He hit two back-to-back homers against Arizona and Toronto, helping his team secure victories. His clutch two-run homer in the ninth inning against Toronto on September 26 allowed the Yankees to secure a 2-0 victory.

Skills and Statistics

Wells' skills and statistics highlight his potential as a top player.

19. Defensive Skills: While Wells is known for his impressive hitting, his defensive skills are also noteworthy. He is a well below-average receiver and thrower but excels as a framer, which helps him offset his defensive deficiencies.

20. Statcast Insights: According to Statcast, Wells has been one of the unluckiest batters in the major leagues. He ranks 14th in xwOBA, ahead of notable players like Freddie Freeman, Mike Trout, Gunnar Henderson, and Rafael Devers.

21. Elite K/BB Rates: Wells boasts elite K/BB (strikeout-to-base-on-balls) rates, which indicate his ability to draw walks and avoid strikeouts. This skill is crucial for a catcher, as it allows him to stay in the game longer and contribute more effectively.

22. Barrel Rate Leader: Wells barrels the ball more than any Yankee not named Soto, according to Statcast. This suggests that he has the potential to hit for power and average if he can maintain his current level of performance.

23. Athleticism: Despite being a catcher, Wells is relatively athletic. He can run well and has shown impressive bunt hits, which are essential skills for a catcher in the major leagues.

24. Mental Game: Wells is known for his ability to handle the mental game of baseball. He has demonstrated resilience and focus, even in the face of adversity, which is crucial for a player in the high-pressure environment of the major leagues.

Comparisons and Future Prospects

Wells' potential has drawn comparisons to some of the game's greats, and his future looks bright.

25. Comparison to Jorge Posada: Some analysts have compared Wells to Jorge Posada, a legendary catcher who played for the Yankees. While it's early to make such comparisons, Wells' ability to hit for average, take walks, and mash home runs makes him a promising candidate for future success.

26. Work Ethic: Wells is known for his work ethic and dedication to improving his skills. He has invested significant time and energy into enhancing his catching abilities, which has paid off in his minor league career and early major league performances.

27. Personal Growth: Wells' journey has not only been about baseball but also about personal growth. He has learned to deal with increased attention and to handle losing, which are essential life skills that he developed during his time at Arizona.

28. Family Influence: Wells' family has played a significant role in his development as a player. His parents, both athletes, have provided him with a supportive environment that encourages hard work and dedication.

29. Lacrosse Experience: Although Wells primarily played baseball, he also played lacrosse, which he believes helped him develop his baserunning skills. This experience has contributed to his overall athleticism and ability to read the game.

30. Future Prospects: With his impressive minor league record and promising major league debut, Austin Wells is considered one of the top young catchers in baseball. His future prospects are bright, and he has the potential to become a key player for the New York Yankees for years to come.

Austin Wells: A Star on the Rise

Austin Wells' journey from Scottsdale, Arizona to the New York Yankees showcases his dedication and talent. Born into an athletic family, he excelled at Bishop Gorman High School despite an elbow injury. His college career at the University of Arizona further highlighted his skills, earning him accolades and a first-round pick by the Yankees in 2020.

Wells' minor league success, including standout performances in the Cape Cod League and Arizona Fall League, paved the way for his major league debut in 2023. Early MLB highlights include his first hit off Justin Verlander and a memorable home run against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Known for his hitting prowess and improving defensive skills, Wells is a promising talent. His work ethic, family support, and resilience make him a player to watch. The future looks bright for this rising star in the Yankees' lineup.