New York Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman publicly acknowledged that the catcher position has been an "issue" for the team. The statement came just before catcher Austin Wells provided a boost of offensive production, hitting home runs in back-to-back games after a prolonged slump. The two recent home runs are seen as much-needed signs of life from Wells, who has been one of the league's least productive hitters approaching the All-Star break.
Manager Aaron Boone expressed hope that Wells would continue to build on this recent success, emphasizing the need for offensive contributions from the position. "We need him to, and he needs to build on that, because he needs to be a factor for us offensively," Boone said.
Wells' recent homers came against left-handed pitcher Cam Booser of the Tampa Bay Rays and right-handed pitcher Justin Lawrence of the Washington Nationals. These were reminders of the offensive potential Wells showed in his first three big league seasons, which had largely disappeared this year. Entering recent games, Wells was batting .153 with a .504 OPS and six home runs. His batting average and OPS were among the lowest for hitters with at least 200 plate appearances, and his WRC+ of 42 was the second lowest.
Cashman acknowledged the offensive struggles as a surprise, noting that the team felt players were capable of more. He recognized the difficulty of the game and confirmed that the situation has become an area of concern, though he added that Wells is making efforts to improve. "I recognize and acknowledge how difficult this game can be, and so it’s become an area of concern, clearly, when it wasn’t expected to be," Cashman said. "I know [Wells] is doing everything he can, and they are doing everything they can to improve in that category. I know that they’re capable of that, but at the same time, it’s been a struggle."
During a stint on the injured list in June for cervical headaches, Wells worked with minor league hitting coaches on his mechanics. Boone stated he has observed improvements in Wells' movements since his return on June 21, even if the results were not immediately apparent. "I do feel like since coming back [from the IL], I’ve noticed him moving the needle, as far as his move and stuff, that’s a little more in line, just from my eye, with what he’s been in the past," Boone said.
Despite offensive difficulties, the Yankees have continued to value Wells' contributions to the pitching staff, which they consider more important than offensive output from their catchers. Cashman did not directly address whether Wells might be optioned to Triple-A for offensive development, but he acknowledged that such options are available to the team. Whether Wells' recent performance signals a true turnaround or a temporary lift remains to be seen, but it has provided him some immediate relief.