The New York Yankees have certainly invested a whole lot into Austin Wells, trading away every other top catcher within their organization to put their full faith into Wells moving forward.

But has that confidence already waned?

After another disappointing campaign at the plate in which Wells slashed .219/.275/.436, there has been some light conjecture about the Yankees potentially trading the 26-year-old considering that first baseman Ben Rice — who absolutely raked throughout much of 2025 — can play catcher.

General manager Brian Cashman even hinted at a possible Wells trade while discussing Rice's status with the ballclub earlier this week.

"I view Ben Rice as having an everyday role in the big leagues for us next year, whether it's at first ... right now the lane is first base," Cashman said, via SNY. "I have no doubt teams will continue to come after our players, Rice included, for trade conversations. But as of right now, yeah, he's in our lineup, and the more likely spot would be first base."

Cashman certainly isn't referencing Rice potentially manning the hot corner, so there are only two spots the left-handed slugger can play: first base and catcher.

"But he can catch, as well. I have Wells as our catcher, and him at first, but, again, you never know how the winds of change blow here every winter," Cashman added.

So essentially, the Yanks are probably going into 2026 with Rice at first and Wells at backstop, but it seems like Cashman is absolutely open to a trade, and Rice does not seem like the player he is willing to move.

The Yankees selected Wells in the first round of the 2020 MLB Draft, and while the lefty has flashed very solid defensive capabilities, his offense is becoming a significant problem.

Yes, Wells smashed 21 home runs this past season, but his declining walk rate coupled with his rising strikeout rate are red flags. I've been on the record of saying that I do think strikeouts are overrated, but when your walks are dipping and your punchouts are increasing, it's a sign that you aren't seeing the ball as well and/or that pitchers are learning you.

Through two-plus campaigns in the big leagues, Wells lays claim to a .294 OBP. That simply isn't good enough, especially when you have hitters like Anthony Volpe and Ryan McMahon also taking up space in the lineup.

Wells is under team control through 2029, so if the Yankees did make him available for trade, they could probably stand to reap a decent haul. Wells is still young, and again, he's good defensively, so perhaps other clubs would try and acquire him in hopes of developing his bat.

Basically, Wells is far from untouchable. Does that mean New York is going to move him? No, but if the right deal comes along, Cashman has indicated that he would be open to it.