While Aaron Boone was still weighing some roster and lineup decisions on Friday, the Yankees’ manager didn’t hesitate when asked if he was committed to Austin Wells batting fourth this October.
“Yes,” Boone said the day before the Yankees’ ALDS opener against the Royals.
Asked why, Boone said Wells has quickly become a “real mature hitter.”
“I have a lot of confidence in the presence he brings there,” the manager continued.
A season-ending slump to Wells’ rookie season prompted the question. The catcher hit .111/.217/.194 with one home run and 13 RBI in September after a torrid summer put him in the American League Rookie of the Year conversation. Wells also saw an uptick in playing time after his hot stretch and a mid-season injury to Jose Trevino, but he didn’t blame his lackluster month on being worn down.
“I probably tried to do too much at the end of the season and got away from what was making me successful,” Wells said. “So I don’t think it was anything that was wear or tear.”
Wells, who also blossomed as a strong receiver, finished the season with a .252/.330/.431 slash line, six home runs and 33 RBI over 173 plate appearances from the four-hole. He hit .229/.322/.395 with 13 homers, 55 RBI and a 105 wRC+ overall.
After a long layoff — the Yankees had a first-round bye in the playoffs — Wells and Boone are hoping the refreshed backstop can get back to being a real threat behind the Bombers’ biggest boppers, Juan Soto and Aaron Judge.
“I feel like he’s swung the bat well through this week,” Boone said with the Yankees holding workouts in the Bronx all week. “I feel like the week off has probably served him well. Feel like he’s had good live at-bats this week.”
Added Wells: “I feel good and ready to go.”
After debuting for a Yankees team that didn’t make the postseason in 2023, this will be Wells’ first postseason in the big leagues. He’s expected to get the bulk of the starts behind the plate with Trevino not offering nearly as much offensive firepower.
Wells, 25, is looking to make the most of the opportunity.
“Not everyone gets to play in the postseason,” he said, “so definitely gonna take advantage of it and enjoy it and go out there and try to win.”
