DUNEDIN, Fla. — Austin Wells was more active behind the plate last season than Aaron Boone expected when he was called up in September.
But now, the Yankees’ rookie catcher, known more for his bat than his defense during his time in the minors, has become more than just that initial hopeful impression in Boone’s mind.
“I think he’s a really good catcher,” Boone said with a hint of surprise in his voice. “I was very impressed with how good a catcher he was becoming.
“That’s always been the case [the question], That’s right, can I catch it? There’s no question he can do it. Not only that, I think he’s good. His current skill set, receiving, blocking, and throwing are all good. And I think he has the other pieces that are a big part of catching. And I think he’ll be a hit. ”
A chance for Wells to not only be solid in all the catcher aspects the Yankees value (things Boone mentioned, plus playing in games and having a presence), but also getting a bigger role this season. There is.
“I think I would be doing myself a disservice if my goal wasn’t to be a good catcher and one of the best catchers in the league,” Wells said Friday morning. “So that’s my goal; [I] Keep working on it every day. ”
Boone said whoever Jose Trevino joins as part of the catching tandem (Ben Rotvedt is out of his minor league options) will likely split playing time.
But if Wells was on the team, “he would play a lot,” Boone said, whether that meant two or three games out of five or some other configuration.
The Yankees believe Trevino (scheduled to make his spring debut Sunday)’s impact behind the plate and on the pitching staff will be essential to success.
But it was notable that Boone was effusive in his praise of Wells’ defensive improvements, especially because of his turnaround offensively (and as a left-handed hitter that would further balance the lineup).
Boone and catching manager Tanner Swanson both said they believe Wells, 24, is an even better catcher now than he was in September. Wells also sees a difference.
“I definitely feel more comfortable and more in control,” he said. “It also helps a lot that we have a great pitching staff that can really hit the spots.
“I think it’s just comfort and pitch-to-pitch consistency. Being confident in my pitch calls, no matter where the ball is thrown, whether it’s going to be a good reception or it’s going to be blocked or if the ball is in front of me.” You just have to have confidence that it’s coming. We’ve built that confidence over the past few years and through the offseason work, so that’s what it really means.”
Swanson credited Wells with his offseason work at the Yankees’ player development facility.
Rather than using the winter to rest and recuperate, Wells used it to gain an edge, arriving in Tampa in November to get back to work.
“He’s gotten better every offseason… [but] “This is the biggest jump he’s made year-to-year,” Swanson said.
At the end of last season, after Wells played in his first 19 games as a major leaguer, the Yankees wanted him to focus on being more consistent in his positioning and being more meticulous from a blocking standpoint.
“He’s become more accurate now, not just by putting his body forward, but by actually controlling the ball in certain locations to stop the ball and limit his forward movement,” Swanson said. “He’s gotten a lot better. I think people realize that too.”
Boone also noted that Wells’ arm, which was a concern early in his career, has improved “dramatically.”
Until Thursday night’s double and home run, Wells had lagged offensively this spring.
However, he made sure that other parts of his game were having an impact on a regular basis.
“That’s one of the reasons I like playing catcher,” Wells said. “Even if I don’t have a bat one night, I know that if I bring my glove to the game, I can really help my team win.”
