Yankees face major Austin Wells trade deadline problem

The New York Yankees have received some of the worst offensive production in the Majors from their catchers. 

Austin Wells plays a significant role in those season-long struggles. 

"The Yankees’ production behind the plate has been among the worst in the league, as New York ranks 14th with a .178 batting average and .526 OPS and last with 19 RBIs from its backstops," wrote MLB.com's Mark Feinsand.

"Austin Wells has all four of the Yankees’ homers at the position, but he’s hitting .157 with a .499 OPS in 190 plate appearances." 

New York should be in the market for a new backstop at the trade deadline, but it may be reluctant to bring in a new catcher from outside the organization who is unfamiliar with the pitching staff. 

"If they’re available, Hunter Goodman and Ryan Jeffers would help those numbers, but GM Brian Cashman has been historically reluctant to bring in a new everyday catcher during the season because of potential disruption to the pitching staff," Feinsand added. 

Yankees pitchers are comfortable with Wells behind the plate, but how much longer can the AL East club afford to keep him in the lineup? 

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In June, Wells has two hits in 33 at-bats, striking out 11 times while drawing no walks. Statistically, Wells is having one of the worst offensive seasons in Yankees history. 

Cashman may have to take the risk that a new catcher will not disrupt the pitching staff.  

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