Gary Sanchez’s loss could be Austin Wells’ gain.
Sanchez has one more year of arbitration eligibility remaining. Unless he’s non-tendered by the New York Yankees this winter, Sanchez will hit the open market after the 2022 season.
And that could clear the way for Wells’ arrival in the Bronx.
Wells, the No. 28 pick overall in the 2020 MLB Draft, is working out west right now, playing in the Arizona Fall League.
Scouts are sold on his bat, but his work behind the plate needs improvement.
Nevertheless, MLB Pipeline ranks Wells as the Yankees’ No. 6 prospect. He started the 2021 season at Low-A Tampa, where he hit .258 with nine home runs in 65 games. From there, it was on to High-A Hudson Valley, where Wells hit .274 with seven home runs in 38 games.
The 22-year-old Wells is one of four catchers ranked among the Yankees’ top 30 prospects, along with Josh Breaux (No. 18), Antonio Gomez (No. 25) and Donny Sands (No. 28).
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Here is MLB Pipeline’s scouting report on Wells:
Though Wells is a shaky receiver with a below-average arm and elbow problems that began in high school, the Yankees are impressed with the initial work he’s done with their instructors remotely. They believe he can add enough polish to stay behind the plate, but scouts outside the organization believe he’ll follow the Kyle Schwarber path and wind up in left field or first base. He runs well enough to handle the outfield and could maximize his offensive production at a less demanding position than catcher.
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Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com.
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