New York Yankees' Austin Wells Delusion Needs to Stop

Consider this: J.C. Escarra — who will never be confused for an offensive dynamo — has a higher slugging percentage than Wells in 2026. He also has one more RBI in less than half the plate appearances.

We can sit here and harp on sample size all we want, but again, the lack of consistent offense has become an overwhelming trend with Wells, who, by the way, also lays claim to a lifetime .468 OPS in the playoffs, where he is hitting .153.

I do understand that finding a good offensive catcher is difficult, and yes; Wells does provide value defensively thanks to his pitch framing. But I'm just not sure how much longer the Yankees can accept Wells' ineptitude at the dish.

We have been hearing Wells is on the verge of a breakout since the spring of 2024. It hasn't happened, and if we're being honest, his peripherals have always made him look "unlucky." It's just the type of hitter Wells is.

There are some players whose actual production never quite matches their advanced metrics. Wells appears to be one of those guys.

New York is likely going to stick with Wells behind home plate this season, because there really aren't any viable alternatives available at the moment. But if his struggles continue through the end of the year, a conversation must be had about his future ... much like what the Yankees are currently experiencing with Anthony Volpe.

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