Yankees' Catcher Update is Bad News for Austin Wells

The New York Yankees definitely have a need at catcher this MLB offseason, but the prevailing thought is that they will just add a right-handed bat to platoon with Austin Wells rather than outright replace him.

However, the latest Yankees news could mean bad news for Wells' standing as the team's permanent starter.

Jon Heyman of The New York Post has reported that the Yankees have checked in with free-agent catcher Carson Kelly, who is definitely one of the best backstops available this winter.

Kelly has spent the last two seasons with the Chicago Cubs and is coming off of a 2026 campaign in which he slashed .258/.336/.376 with 10 home runs and 58 RBI over 425 plate appearances, numbers that were significantly better than those of Wells.

Two years ago, Kelly slashed .249/.333/.428 with 17 homers and 50 RBI across 421 trips to the dish, so he was consistent with the Cubs.

Additionally, the 32-year-old has historically been known as a strong defensive catcher, so it's not like the Yankees would just be looking at him for his bat.

Should New York add Kelly, it could absolutely have an adverse effect on Wells if he doesn't pick up his level of play in 2027.

Wells' .186/.292/.332 slash line was unacceptable this past season, and everyone knows it. Yes, he is a very impressive defender behind the plate, and he handles the pitching staff well. But how much longer can the Yankees live with his putrid offense?

If New York signs Kelly and he produces while also doing a fine job defensively, it will unquestionably put Wells on notice, as i should.

The Yanks cannot continue to have unwavering trust in Wells. At least not as a starter. If his bat continues to falter next season, they will need to make a change, and Kelly would ultimately have a chance to supplant him as the top catcher.

Wells is a former first-round pick, so the Yankees want to make it work with him. But at some point, that battle could become a sunk cost.

There is no doubt Wells has value as a defender, but if it gets to a point where he is continually hitting beneath the Mendoza line, New York will just have to accept the fact that he is a backup.

Kelly isn't Ryan Jeffers where he would instantly come in to be the starter, but he is the perfect backstop to acquire. He will put just enough pressure on Wells without instantly replacing him ... but he will still have the chance to step in if things continue to go south for Wells.