The New York Yankees' catching situation has taken an unexpected turn, with Austin Wells finding himself on the bench more often than he'd like. Breakout star Ben Rice has seized the opportunity, showcasing his skills behind the plate and at the plate, leading to a shift in playing time.
Wells' Perspective: 'I'm One of the Best'
Wells, who began the season as the clear starter, has seen his playing time diminish in recent weeks. He's started just eight of the Yankees' last 17 games after a strong start to the season where he had 78 starts in the first 108 games. His batting average has dipped into the low .200s, a stark contrast to his earlier performance. In a candid interview, Wells acknowledged his recent struggles. “These last few weeks I know have not been good for me,” Wells admitted. “Not seeing results is always tough... If you’re not getting numbers, you’re probably not going to play.”
The numbers back up the shift. Wells' batting average plummeted from .227 to .206 in a 21-game stretch, accompanied by a .356 OPS during that time. He's particularly struggled against breaking balls, hitting just .134 against curves and sliders, compared to .263 against fastballs. This weakness hasn't gone unnoticed by opposing pitchers.
Despite the challenges, Wells remains confident in his abilities. He points to improvements in his offensive production with runners in scoring position as a sign of progress. He stated he feels he is “one of the best catchers”.
Ben Rice's Rise: Earning the Opportunity
Ben Rice has capitalized on the opportunity, impressing with both his defense and offense. His breakout season has seen him hit .239/.334/.469, but his advanced metrics paint an even more compelling picture. Rice boasts impressive percentile rankings in xw0BA (.410), xBA (.292), xSLG (.571), barrel rate (16.5), and hard hit rate (55.6). His performance has drawn comparisons to Kyle Schwarber, highlighting his power and ability to make hard contact.
What's Next for the Yankees Catchers?
The Yankees' catching situation presents an interesting dynamic. While Wells possesses experience and potential, Rice's recent performance has made him a valuable asset. The competition will likely continue as the season progresses, with both players vying for playing time and the opportunity to contribute to the team's success. With Paul Goldschmidt also in the mix at first base, the lineup decisions for the Yankees are becoming increasingly complex.