Catchers Rice and Wells Show Potential for Yankees

Ben Rice has established himself as a viable middle-order hitter in the big leagues.

Austin Wells has proven that he’s a legitimate MLB catcher.

If the Yankees can effectively pair these two players, they might just have one of the best all-around catchers in the game.

The upcoming challenge lies in maximizing their current strengths over the remaining games, as the Yankees strive to incorporate both Rice and Wells into the same lineup.

Outside of a stretch in August when Rice nearly took over the starting catching duties, Wells has been the Yankees’ primary catcher this season.

Rice made significantly more starts (120 games) compared to Wells (112), primarily because he also filled in as a first baseman and designated hitter early in the season during Giancarlo Stanton’s injury absence.

While the Yankees may not want to write off Rice’s future as a catcher just yet, the simplest way for him to secure an everyday spot next year would likely hinge on Paul Goldschmidt becoming a free agent, allowing Rice to take on the starting first baseman role.

At 26, Rice has consistently showcased his power, finishing the season with a .255 batting average, 26 home runs, and an .836 OPS, regardless of where he played. Notably, his average exit velocity of 93.3 mph was among the top in the league.

On the defensive front, Rice had the weakest throwing arm among the Yankees’ catchers and performed below average, although he held his own in limited appearances.

Even though he showed improvement as a first baseman through the year, he still struggled with certain techniques as he gained more experience in that role.

Goldschmidt commented, “What he did was unbelievable. I hadn’t seen much of him last year, so I didn’t know what to expect. But he hit for us from start to finish. It was tough for him initially, though, as he could only play in a few games here and there for the first few months. By season’s end, his defense at both catcher and first base was impressive.”

Manager Goldschmidt acknowledged Rice’s contributions during a speech before Game 4, after the Yankees were eliminated from the ALDS.

Although Rice wasn’t in the starting lineup, he was involved in bullpen practice and frequently transitioned between catcher and first base. This became a common routine for him throughout the season as he strived to maintain his skills in both positions.

Goldschmidt remarked, “That’s incredibly difficult. He’s a player who keeps improving. I think his hitting has definitely progressed… Whether he continues playing both positions or settles into one, he’s a great asset for the team.”

This development is intertwined with Wells’ future, as he has made a significant defensive impact during his first few seasons in the majors.

Wells wrapped up the season with a .219 batting average, .712 OPS, and 21 home runs over 126 games. He had a rough stretch until mid-August, coinciding with Rice’s increased playing time behind the plate, but managed to recover with a strong finish.

Throughout his career, Wells has played 260 games, holding a batting average of .224 and an OPS of .717.

The Yankees have been willing to overlook some of Wells’ offensive numbers due to his defensive progress, believing he still has more to offer at the plate.

His defensive gameplay earned praise from pitchers, and his framing skills ranked third among all catchers, even with the upcoming introduction of automated ball-strike systems next season.

“We have a lot of confidence in him down there,” manager Aaron Boone stated during the ALDS.

If Rice becomes the Yankees’ full-time first baseman, it would likely necessitate bringing in another catcher to back up Wells, similar to what they’ve done this season with J.C. Escala.

Having three left-handed catchers hasn’t been ideal, so it’s possible the Yankees could look to add a right-handed catcher as well.