Austin Wells' Two-way Play Pushing Yankees Catcher in Rookie of the Year Race

Rapid Rise from Humble Beginnings

Austin Wells, a 23-year-old catcher for the New York Yankees, is making waves in the Rookie of the Year race with his impressive two-way play. Despite being selected only 29th overall in the 2020 MLB Draft, Wells has quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the minors and is now on the cusp of a major league call-up.

Offensive Powerhouse

At the plate, Wells has been a force, hitting for a .355 batting average, .454 on-base percentage, and .582 slugging percentage in 65 games with the Double-A Somerset Patriots. His 13 home runs rank third in the Eastern League, and his 53 RBI are second. Wells' ability to hit for both power and average is a rare combination that has caught the attention of the Yankees' brass.

Defensive Prowess Behind the Dish

Behind the plate, Wells has also impressed with his defensive skills. He has a strong arm and quick reflexes, and he has thrown out 23% of attempted base stealers this season. Wells' ability to handle a pitching staff and call a game is advanced for his age, and he has the potential to be a Gold Glove-caliber catcher in the future.

Rising Through the Ranks

Wells' impressive performance in the minors has earned him a promotion to the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. He is expected to make his major league debut with the Yankees sometime in August. If he continues to perform at a high level in the majors, Wells could be a major contributor to the Yankees' playoff push in 2023.

Conclusion

Austin Wells is a rising star in the MLB, and his two-way play is pushing him to the forefront of the Rookie of the Year race. With his impressive offensive and defensive skills, Wells has the potential to be a franchise cornerstone for the New York Yankees for years to come.