The New York Yankee’s first pick in the MLB Draft was High Schooler Austin Wells, a lefty slugger who’s a catcher, first baseman, and a left fielder. The Yankees initially attempted to draft him in the 35th round of the 2018 MLB Draft out of high school, meaning that picking him again shows they really like this kid, and I do too.
He isn’t going to stay at catcher in my opinion for the Yankees as they already have a franchise catcher in Gary Sanchez unless you’re in the boat that believes Sanchez is deteriorating at a rapid rate.
Now that the mini-rant is over, I see the kid easily being the 1st baseman or left fielder of the future, as lefty sluggers love it here in New York. But you know who this kid reminds me of? Don Mattingly.
Similar Frames
With Mattingly being around 175 pounds and 6’0, Austin Wells is definitely bigger at 6’2 and 220, but it’s not much bigger, and I think that extra size will actually provide for his power stats. The two are built similarly also in terms of baseball, being a lefty and someone who can play 1B and LF, and while Wells can catch, I think he’ll catch for Sanchez when Sanchez needs a day off or is super old. The kid and The Cap are similar prospects, but that’s not where this comparison ends.
Extra Base Hit Machines
Don Mattingly per 162 games averaged 45 doubles, 28 home runs, 52 walks, and slugged at .530 in his prime from 1984-1989. If you projected Wells’ stats in college over 162 games, he would’ve averaged 49 doubles, 20 home runs, 122 walks, and slug .560. Those stats have variations in home runs and walks, but for the most part, the standout piece is their insane abilities to split the gaps and crush baseballs, Austin Wells even expands on this as he’s shown to be a great baserunner, as he was on pace for 21-22 stolen bases over 162 games.
Austin Wells also happens to be a sweet-swinging lefty just like Don, and if you love the Yankees, you should be pumped about this pick. This kid is SPECIAL, and he’s going to be a 40 double 20 home run guy with a great eye just like Don was. The differences will be health (hopefully) and that this time, I think he’s going to be surrounded by actual competence and get that ring.