In a perfect world, New York Yankees‘ first-round pick Austin Wells would hit .365 with 28 homers at the top level of Major League Baseball.
Wells, who grew up a Red Sox fan, would be forgiven for eternity if he could develop into what one scout believes equates to Joe Mauer, six-time All-Star catcher and first baseman.
In an interview with YES Network’s Jack Curry, Yankees’ top scout Damon Oppenheimer compared Wells’ skill-set to a variety of different players at the major-league level. However, one stood out, which was Mauer.
The 2009 American League MVP recorded a .365 batting average with 28 home runs during the 2009 season. His efficiency at the plate and defensive quality made him one of the best players at the time, prior to his retirement in 2018.
“I wish I could say yes, that there’s an exact player that he reminds me of. But it’s a little difficult because I’ve seen some Joe Mauer in this guy’s swing. I’ve seen some of that kind of pop at times. Just to say, ‘Yeah, he totally reminds me of somebody.’ I can’t really say that. That’s the swing he reminds me of a little bit sometimes of Joe.
He played all 15 years of his MLB career with the Minnesota Twins, compiling a .306 average at the plate, 143 home runs, 923 RBIs, over 6930 at-bats.
The New York Yankees might have landed a stud lefty in Austin Wells:
Wells, who was drafted with the 28th overall selection in the most recent MLB Draft, was projected as a catcher coming out of the University of Arizona. However, his skills-set could fit more efficiently in the outfield. His lackluster arm from behind the plate and average defensive traits make him a prime candidate to swap positions and land in a spot like left field.
Of course, this would require him to completely adapt to a new position, but he has the ability to make the transition smoothly. Wells is the type of player who could develop quickly in the Minor League system, climbing his way to the Yankees’ top squad in two years or so. An injury several years ago disrupted his throwing motion, which no longer seems to be an issue. It could have lingering effects throwing from behind the plate.