Yankees' Austin Wells problem needs immediate fix at trade deadline

Jun 29, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells (28) reacts after striking out against the Detroit Tigers during the third inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

It's not easy to trade for a catcher mid-season. 

There's an entire pitching staff to adjust to, and learning the club's tendencies and everyday game plan. 

But the New York Yankees have no other choice. 

Austin Wells is having one of the worst offensive seasons in franchise history. That may be an understatement. 

Despite those horrible offensive numbers, the Yankees are unlikely to send Wells to Triple-A or take him out of the catching rotation entirely. 

"What is lost in the conversation around Wells’ struggles offensively is that he is a major part of the club’s pitching success. There may not be a bigger supporter of Wells inside the Yankees’ clubhouse than Gerrit Cole, who’s particular about his catchers," The Athletic's Chris Kirschner wrote. "Cole said the pitching staff fully trusts Wells when he’s behind the plate because of the amount of preparation he puts into game planning." 

Because New York's pitchers value Wells' game planning and ability to call a game, it makes him a more valuable player. 

MORE: Astros showing ‘strong interest’ in Rockies’ Mickey Moniak and Jake McCarthy

Otherwise, it's almost necessary that the Yankees make a move. 

Catchers to keep an eye on in the trade market are Ryan Jeffers of the Minnesota Twins and Tyler Stephenson of the Cincinnati Reds. 

Acquiring Hunter Goodman from the Colorado Rockies seems like a long shot. 

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