While much of the attention the Yankees have garnered this season has been thrown on their superstar Aaron Judge, and rightfully so, and Juan Soto, there has emerged a 3rd bat in the lineup that has been beating up pitchers this year.
Austin Wells came into the season best known to many Bombers fans as the man who ate chicken parmigiana with Anthony Volpe, but those who followed the minor leagues closely knew that Wells was a perfect fit for New York. Austin Wells' signature lefty swing was tailor made for Yankee Stadium, and his leadership and defense behind the plate were welcome additions to a team that was lacking in both.
Wells has exceeded all expectations early on in his Yankee career and now our sights are set on even bigger things. Austin Wells has been hitting close to .290 since June 1st. That goes along with over a .370 OBP and nearly a .490 slugging percentage.
Wells's turnaround has come right when the pinstripes needed someone to bat behind Judge and Soto. Once he was slotted into the cleanup spot Wells took off. He ranks 1st in batting average, 1st in on base percentage, 2nd in OPS and 5th in slugging percentage as a cleanup hitter in all of baseball.
What is shocking is this also comes with stellar defense. Wells has held runners at bay and every Yankee fan started to dread what might come after the Red Sox ran all day over them a couple of months ago. Wells has a strong arm and calls a great game, which only adds to his rookie of the year resume.
The young catcher might not win the award, but Yankees fans have their new young gun. Yes, he was eating chicken parm, and yes he is the future of the Yankees, but it's not Volpe, it's Austin Wells, and the future is now.