The New York Yankees promoted top-catching prospect Austin Wells as a backup catcher for the 2024 MLB season following the trade of Kyle Higashioka to the San Diego Padres. Wells, a first-round pick in the 2020 MLB Draft pick, looked sharp behind the plate, but his offence wasn’t satisfactory.
However, Austin Wells’ fortunes changed mid-season when he was appointed as clean up hitter below the dynamic duo of Juan Soto and Aaron Judge. The responsibility was daunting but Wells proved himself as a major league material. And given his second half resurgence, his odds in rookie of the year award list has shot up.
Austin Wells Pips Colton Cowser In Rookie Of The Year Odds
New York Yankees promising catcher Austin Wells is emerging as a legitimate contender for the American League Rookie of the Year Award. After being drafted as a backup catcher initially into the season, Wells moved into an everyday role following Jose Trevino’s hip injury. His impact was so profound that the Yanks retained him as an everyday catcher even after Trevino’s return from IL. That being said, Wells’ resurgence was first witnessed following his promotion as a clean-up hitter. He currently owns a .780 OPS, 16 doubles, 13 home runs, 49 RBI and 39 runs scored. Behind the plate, Wells accumulated 2.7 bWAR in 100 games this season. These impressive stats make him a favourite in the AL-Rookie honours list.
As per FanDuel, Austin Wells is the leading favourite to win the American League Rookie of the Year award with -140 odds. Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser, who was leading offs in July, is now placed second with +135 odds. Yankees Luis Gil is also featured on the list with +850, followed by Boston Red Sox’s outfielder Wilyer Abreu with +3200 odds. Needless to say, Wells’ development has provided stability at the catcher position for the New York Yankees, a key factor that enhances his candidacy for the award. While he faces stiff competition, Wells’ consistent performances, both offensively and defensively, give him a strong case for the Rookie of the Year honour. If he continues to build on his current momentum, Wells could very well find himself in the mix for one of baseball’s most prestigious rookie accolades, thus cementing his status as a future of the franchise.
Austin Wells Reveals Turning Point In First Season With Yankees!
In a recent interview with Foul Territory, Austin Wells revealed the turning point of the season that helped him produce a resurgence. Wells revealed that initially into the season, he struggled to adapt to the backup catcher’s role as in minor leagues, he used to play everyday.
And just when he got used to the role of backup catcher, Austin Wells had to step into an everyday role due to Jose Trevino’s injury. And that was essentially the turning point of Wells’ season as he thrived in the everyday role. “When, unfortunately, Jose [Trevino] got hurt… I kinda said like, ‘screw it.’ Just kinda [went] balls to the wall, I guess,” Wells said.
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