Austin Wells Makes a Strong Spring Debut
Austin Wells, the Yankees’ promising young catcher, made an unexpected but impressive spring debut on Wednesday, catching starter Will Warren and showing his prowess at the plate. Initially, manager Aaron Boone had planned to give Wells a break until March, but the AL Rookie of the Year candidate lobbied hard to get into the lineup. "I told [Boone] I was feeling good and the lives were going good," Wells explained to YES Network’s Meredith Marakovits. "I wanted to catch Will and that was the goal for me today: to get back there and see Will in some games and get on the same page there." Wells caught two of Warren’s three innings and demonstrated his hitting skills with two powerful swings, one of which resulted in a two-run double. Despite his strong rookie season, Wells is focused on continuous improvement, particularly in his consistency at the plate. "Try to improve in all areas, really. I like to be better every year and that’s my goal," he said. "I would love to hit a little better and be more consistent. That’s my plan going in."
Will Warren’s Electric Performance
Will Warren, the Yankees’ most major league-ready pitching prospect, has been the talk of camp this spring, and his performance on Wednesday only added to the buzz. Warren pitched three perfect innings, striking out four batters on just 35 pitches. This follows his strong first spring start, where he struck out three and gave up only one hit and one walk across two innings. "He was aggressive in the zone and got ahead and had really good success," Wells said, praising Warren’s outing. Warren’s confidence and determination are evident, and Wells noted, "Feels like he has a chip on his shoulder. Coming back with a little bit of vengeance and wants to improve. I’ve seen it from the start. His live BP, his last outing and this one, he’s been great. I’m excited to see what he keeps doing."
Warren’s Development and Potential
Boone and Wells both see Warren as a significant asset for the Yankees in 2025. Boone highlighted Warren’s improved secondary pitches, particularly his changeup and curveball, which are crucial for facing left-handed hitters. "He’s got that built-in sinker/slider combo that’s going to make him naturally tough on righties. It’s good to see him move the needle with the changeup and curveball. Excited with what we’re seeing," Boone said during the YES broadcast. Last season, Warren struggled with a 10.32 ERA in six appearances, but Boone believes he has the potential to be a top pitcher. "He took his lumps a little bit [last year] but this is a guy that has a chance to be really good and continues to make strides towards that," Boone added. Warren’s confidence and ability to control his emotions on the mound are key areas of improvement, and both Boone and Wells are optimistic about his future with the team.
The Yankees’ Starting Rotation
While Warren’s performances have been stellar, the Yankees’ starting rotation is already set, making it challenging for him to secure a spot at the beginning of the season. However, Boone and Wells see Warren as a valuable player who could contribute in various roles. "He’s a really confident kid," Boone said, drawing a comparison to Clarke Schmidt, another promising pitcher who took time to develop. "A few years ago you saw the promise, the arsenal you saw the stuff but took some time to continue to develop but one thing they both have is confidence in their ability. With Will, it’s about harnessing that, controlling that burn on the mound, which is really important, especially for starting pitchers. You want that competitive guy but for a starting pitcher, you have to have a better handle on your emotions and I think he’s doing a better job of that."
Wells’ Aspirations for 2025
Wells, who had a standout rookie season, is setting his sights on becoming a more consistent and effective hitter in 2025. "Looking back there’s a lot to improve on but a lot to be happy about. Picking and choosing where to get better and knowing what makes me good and try to stick with that," he said. Wells’ ability to balance his strengths and areas for improvement is a testament to his maturity and dedication. His strong performance in Wednesday’s game, both behind the plate and at the bat, underscores his potential to be a cornerstone player for the Yankees. "I think he’s going to be an important part of the team," Wells said of Warren, highlighting the mutual respect and camaraderie within the team.
A Promising Start to Spring Training
The Yankees’ 7-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday was a promising start to their spring training, with both Wells and Warren making significant contributions. Wells’ unexpected debut and Warren’s electric performance have set a positive tone for the team. Boone’s confidence in Warren’s development and Wells’ commitment to improvement reflect the Yankees’ focus on building a strong, versatile roster. As the spring training progresses, the Yankees will continue to evaluate their prospects and prepare for the upcoming season, with the hope that players like Wells and Warren will play crucial roles in the team’s success.
