In the aftermath of the postseason campaign fallout, the New York Yankees induced a youth movement through which several high-end prospects debuted in the major league in 2024. Jasson Dominguez, Everson Pereira, Austin Wells, and Oswald Peraza earned an opportunity to showcase their talent on the biggest stage.
While some utilized the opportunity to their advantage, many failed to live up to the hype. However, catcher Austin Wells was amongst the few who impressed and put forth strong contention for a starter’s role in the following 2024 season. Meanwhile, ahead of the new season, Wells once again reiterates his intention of making it count in 2024.
Austin Wells Dreams Big! Wants To Play Everyday Catcher In 2024!
As the New York Yankees gear up for the 2024 MLB season, all eyes are on their promising young catcher, Austin Wells, who is determined to secure an everyday role with the team. The talented prospect debuted in majors under unforeseen circumstances. He replaced an injured Jose Trevino, who was later shut down due to unavoidable wrist surgery. Regardless, the prospect took up the challenge and impressed with his short stint. Across 70 at-bats in September, Wells slashed .229/.257/.486 with 16 hits and four home runs. Moreover, his staggering reflexes behind the player made him a standout player to watch out for. While the 2023 season ended early for the Yanks, they found their biggest positive in Austin Wells.
Moreover, with the 2024 season on the horizon, the catcher is dreaming big. In the latest conversation with Bill Ladson of MLB.com, Austin Well said baseball is a competitive sport. If one aims at being a backup, they are perhaps in the wrong sport. “Going in trying to be the starter, believing you should be the starter, and working to be a starter is really the only mindset and choice that you can have if you are a baseball player,” said Wells. The catcher is certainly high on confidence after an excellent stint in September last year. Moreover, Wells’ dreams could turn into reality sooner than later. With Kyle Higahioka in San Diego, a catcher’s spot is available on the starting lineup. Jose Trevino is expected to return from wrist surgery by spring training. Thus, Trevino and Wells seem to be the probable starting catching pair for the Yanks in 2024.
Yankees Agree To Terms With Catcher Jose Trevino To Avoid Arbitration
Jose Trevino was having a decent run in the 2023 season before an unfortunate wrist injury played spoilsport. Apparently, Trevino played through the small niggle, which worsened with time. A surgery was unavoidable, and thus, the catcher had to be shut down. Moreover, the catcher remains a part of active trade rumors this off-season.
However, the Yankees signed a one-year $2.7 million deal with Jose Trevino earlier this week to avoid arbitration. Since Kyle Higashioka has exited the franchise, Trevino has become the team’s leading catcher. Thus, the catcher will continue to use the pinstripes in 2024. However, health will play a crucial role. It is important for Trevino to return to full health this coming spring training.
