Yankees’ promising catcher is the key to unlocking the bottom of the lineup’s ceiling
The New York Yankees already boasted the league’s most dangerous offense in 2025 — leading MLB in wRC+ (119), home runs (274), runs scored (849), and slugging percentage (.455). Yet, for all their fireworks, the lineup wasn’t perfect. The bottom third often lagged behind, failing to sustain pressure when the top half was rolling.
Anthony Volpe’s health issues lingered throughout the season, Ryan McMahon never found consistent rhythm at the plate, and young catcher Austin Wells flashed promise but never quite found his offensive groove. For a team built on depth and power, that inconsistency stood out.
The Potential Within
There’s optimism in the Bronx that Jose Caballero can handle shortstop duties while Volpe rehabs from shoulder surgery, but the real X-factor could be Wells. The Yankees believe the 26-year-old catcher is just scratching the surface of what he can be offensively.
On paper, Wells’ 94 wRC+ in 2025 wasn’t disappointing for a catcher, and his career-high 21 home runs showed legitimate pop. But numbers only tell part of the story. The Yankees — and Wells himself — know there’s another gear.
Back in 2024, Wells posted a 107 wRC+, balancing patience and power with an impressive 11.4 percent walk rate and a manageable 21 percent strikeout rate. Fast forward a year, and that discipline eroded. His walk rate dropped to 6.7 percent while strikeouts climbed to 26.3 percent. The result was a hitter pressing for results rather than trusting his eye.
What Needs to Change
If Wells rediscovers that 2024 version of himself — the one who worked counts and punished mistakes — he could turn the Yankees’ lower order from an afterthought into a weapon. His defensive reputation already stands among the league’s best: elite framing, steady game-calling, and strong blocking skills. The foundation for a star is there, hence his 3.5 fWAR in 2024 and his 3.0 mark this year.
Offense, though, is what could elevate him from solid to special. The Yankees don’t need him to be a middle-of-the-order force; they just need him to be a reliable spark in the lower half. When he’s locked in, Wells has the kind of balance between power and approach that can flip a lineup over — like a skilled point guard setting up the fast break in basketball, creating opportunities before the defense can react.
Entering His Prime
Wells will enter his third full season in 2026, right around the age most catchers start putting everything together. That timing couldn’t be better for the Yankees, whose offense already sits at the top of the sport but still has room to grow in consistency.
If Wells’ bat finally catches up to his glove, New York might not just lead the league again — they could redefine what a complete lineup looks like. For a team chasing another title run, that’s exactly the kind of quiet transformation that can make all the difference.
Cubs Urged to Trade for, Pay Orioles All-Star After Kyle Tucker Leaves
The Chicago Cubs could have a busy offseason ahead. Kyle Tucker is hitting the open market, and if the Cubs lose him, they may need to make some moves to replace his production.
Tucker is expected to sign a lucrative contract that could reach north of $400 million in total value. If the Cubs are unwilling to go that high, the team could spend elsewhere. FanSided’s Chris Landers urged the Cubs to acquire and pay Baltimore Orioles All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman.
“The Cubs have the luxury of being just about locked in at every position on the diamond - except, that is, for catcher, where Carson Kelly started off strong before disappearing down the stretch this season,” wrote Landers. “It’s a spot crying out for an upgrade this offseason, and while the free-agent market is thin on impact names (outside a declining JT Realmuto), the trade market features one heck of a buy-low opportunity in Rutschman.”
Tucker had an .841 OPS and 22 home runs in what was considered a down year. The Cubs will have to find a way to replace that production, and the catcher position could use an upgrade. Carson Kelly posted a .761 OPS and had a solid season. However, Rutschman is a two-time All-Star and a Silver Slugger.
He had a down year this year and dealt with injuries. Additionally, the Orioles gave catcher Samuel Basallo a contract extension. After committing to an eight-year, $67 million extension with Basallo, Rutschman’s future may be in doubt. He did not have his best year, but he still has the potential to be an elite player. The Cubs could ink him to an extension while the price tag is low.
