Austin Wells

Austin Wells is a candidate to hit leadoff for the Yankees in 2025, per team reports.

Fantasy Impact

Wells has split spring leadoff reps with Jazz Chisholm—Aaron Boone’s keeping both in play—despite a .229 career average and little speed, thanks to a knack for reaching base (11.4% walk rate over 414 big league plate appearances in 2024). No Yankees catcher has ever led off in a regular-season game. Fantasy managers can boost his draft stock; that spot could pad his runs, even if it’s unconventional.

Austin Wells is in the lineup for Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals, starting at catcher and batting fifth, Erik Boland of Newsday reports.

Fantasy Impact

The Yankees had initially planned to keep Wells out of spring games until March 1, but he’s returning to action ahead of schedule. The young backstop posted a .229/.322/.395 slash line with 13 home runs and 55 RBI in 414 plate appearances last season and is expected to take on an increased workload in 2025. If he can continue refining his approach at the plate and show growth defensively, Wells could solidify himself as the Yankees’ primary catcher.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Austin Wells is being held out of spring games until March 1 or so.

Fantasy Impact

The same goes for Aaron Judge. Wells is likely to take on more of a full-time role behind the plate with the departure of Jose Trevino.

Austin Wells is not in the lineup for the New York Yankees against the Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday.

Fantasy Impact

Wells will sit out for rest reasons, with Jose Trevino batting ninth and filling in behind the plate at catcher for manager Aaron Boone against the Pirates Sunday.

Austin Wells returns to the lineup for the New York Yankees against the Pittsburgh Pirates Saturday.

Fantasy Impact

Wells is back after sitting out for routine rest Friday night, starting behind the plate at catcher and batting cleanup against the Pirates for manager Aaron Boone Saturday.