Height
6'1"
Weight
220 lbs
Age
26
College
Arizona
Experience
4 yrs
Bats/Throws
L/R
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsD+
| Year | Team | GP | AVG | HR | RBI | OPS | SB | H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 262 | 0.22475961 | 38 | 139 | 0.7169918 | 6 | 187 |
Current Contract
Length
1 year
AAV
$780K/yr
Contract Value Index (CVI)
Austin Wells' one-year, $0.8M deal with the Yankees earns an A- CVI, representing exceptional value for a franchise in championship mode. Wells profiles as a solid rotational catcher who can handle backup duties behind the plate while providing legitimate offensive upside — a rare combination at baseball's most demanding position. The Yankees are essentially paying pre-arbitration wages for a player who could realistically contribute 1-2 WAR if given expanded opportunities, making this one of the better cost-controlled assets in their system. At catcher, where league-average production typically commands $8-12M annually in free agency, locking up Wells at under $1M provides incredible roster flexibility during their competitive window. The deal also preserves team control while Wells continues developing, giving the Yankees optionality whether he emerges as a long-term solution or valuable trade chip. For a club managing luxury tax implications while trying to maximize talent, this contract represents the type of surplus value that championship rosters are built on.
Performance Analysis
Austin Wells grades as an above average performer among MLB catchers, earning a B Performance grade. He is hitting with a 0.226 batting average and a 0.719 OPS (below the league average of .720) this season. With 38 home runs and 139 RBI through 261 games (a 24-HR, 86-RBI pace over a full season), he brings moderate power to the lineup. As a player entering his prime window at 26, Austin is a key contributor for the Yankees. A 261-game sample provides high confidence in this grade.
Recent Games
| Date | OPP | Result | AB | H | R | HR | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, 4/10 | @ TB | L 3-5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sun, 4/5 | vs MIA | L 6-7 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
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