Yankees' Latest Austin Wells Update Won't Shock Anyone

Austin Wells has been a massive liability offensively for the New York Yankees this season, but they have not seemed to care.

The Yankees didn't heavily pursue a catcher at the MLB trade deadline, and it's looking more and more like they will head into 2027 with Wells behind the plate.

Not that that should surprise anyone based on how New York has handled the situation.

Chris Kirschner of The Athletic provided an update on Wells in a recent mailbag, revealing that while the Yankees may try and pursue a platoon bat to pair with Wells this winter, they probably won't make any major changes at catcher.

"Austin Wells is one of the best defenders behind the plate. The Yankees’ pitchers fully trust him, and he’s a major reason they’ve had success this season," Kirschner wrote. "Clearly, his offense has nosedived this year. It’s frankly shocking. The Yankees will likely be in the market for a platoon partner for Wells for next season. Catching fewer games than he did this year could keep his legs fresher."

Is it really that shocking, though?

Wells slashed .219/.275/.436 last season. Yes, he flashed some pop with 21 home runs, but when he wasn't running into a pitch for a homer, he was barely getting on base.

This year, he is slashing .179/.277/.313. Funny enough, his on-base percentage is actually better than last year thanks to his improved walk rate, but his power (12 home runs and .135 ISO) has declined significantly.

Wells owns a lifetime .212/.289/.392 slash line. He has never been a force offensively. Sure, he calls a good game and he is fine behind the dish, but the idea that Wells is Pudge Rodriguez defensively is pretty ridiculous.

Keeping Wells is fine. He would be a terrific backup. But retaining him as the starter with his .590 OPS this season would be criminal. That's especially considering Ryan Jeffers will be available in free agency.

But as Kirschner noted, the most likely scenario is that the Yankees will try and find a right-handed backstop to alternate with Wells.

The first name that comes to mind in that regard is Tyler Stephenson, who is a far superior hitter to Wells. The problem? Stephenson has actually hit righties (.760 OPS) better than lefties (.701 OPS) throughout his career.

No matter what direction New York proceeds this offseason, it will likely end in Wells remaining the starting catcher.