The New York Yankees landed Austin Wells out of Arizona with the No. 28 overall pick in the 2020 MLB draft. While he’s coming into the majors as a catcher, he projects as a potential outfielder/first baseman. His initial signing bonus could land in the $2.5 million range, and he represents the teams only pick until No. 99. MLB Pipeline rated him as the No. 27 overall prospect and Baseball America had him at No. 21.
The Yankees are getting an exciting young prospect in Wells, capable of becoming a strong lefty-slugger in the future. At 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, Wells compares to Cubs’ Kyle Schwarber at 6-foot, 235 pounds. Both are left-handed hitters and started out as catchers at the collegiate level. If Wells can develop similarly to Schwarber, the Yankees will be extremely excited about their selection down the line.
In 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic cut the season short, Wells hit .353 with five homeruns and 60 RBIs. Prior to the season ending this year, he hit .375 with two homeruns and 14 RBIs in just 15 games.
Here are three things the New York Yankees are getting in Wells:
1.) Wells is essentially positionless
Despite Wells entering the MLB as a catcher, he projects as a first baseman or outfielder. While he has average arm strength and decent technique, but his throws are inconsistent from his catching stance. Of course, he has plenty of time to develop, and if he ends up sticking at catcher and succeeding, the Yanks will be in a good spot to supplement the eventual degradation of Gary Sanchez.
Sanchez has struggled with lower back problems and injuries in recent years, indicating that he could deteriorate rather quickly. Wells has the ability to rise through the ranks in an expedited fashion, and if he can do so within the next two years, the Yankees will be in good shape.
2.) Left-handed slugger
The Yankees barely have any left-handed hitters in their lineup, aside from Brett Gardner and switch-hitting Aaron hicks/Mike Tauchman. By the time Wells enters the fold, Gardner will be retired, and that is possible Talquin could be left behind as well. The need to add more lefty talent to the batting order and they are doing just that by drafting wells.
3.) Projects as more of an outfielderĂ‚Â
Despite Wells playing catcher with Arizona, he has the physical abilities to transfer over to the outfield. Some believe he projects as a left fielder, simply based on his mediocre arm. His defensive attributes behind the plate don’t make up for his deficiencies, which could see him switch positions in the future.